Combining Walter Isard’s location, trade, and peace theories using a gravitational field model: a case study on the European market and Brexit

Luigi Capoani (), Alessandro Barlese and Alexandru Tudorache
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Luigi Capoani: Ca’ Foscari University of Venice
Alessandro Barlese: Ca’ Foscari University of Venice
Alexandru Tudorache: Ca’ Foscari University of Venice

Empirica, 2025, vol. 52, issue 2, No 6, 333-355

Abstract: Abstract Within a comprehensive framework influenced by Walter Isard’s economic theories on location and gravitation, we suggest a theoretical development encompassing his key areas of interest: trade, peace economics, and regional science. Commercial appeal, market gravity centers, and beneficial locations for exporting enterprises are influenced by the presence of trade-based comparative advantages. As a result, trade agreements, free trade zones, and market dynamics emerge as key accelerators for national growth. In this context, we introduce the concept of peace and economic theories of conflict, giving a framework for analyzing wars and other variables that contribute to political and social instability, providing an analysis of Brexit. Concurrently, we examine recent spatial interaction models. By extending these principles, we develop a new theory of market conflict that is critical for interpreting the relationship between conflict severity, spatial proximity, and market dynamics within the gravitational field paradigm.

Keywords: Gravity model of trade; Brexit; Econophysics; Economic network; Location theory; Theory of conflict (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A13 B41 D74 F10 F51 R11 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1007/s10663-024-09638-8

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