Geography, Transparency and Institutions

Joram Mayshar, Omer Moav and Zvika Neeman

No 9625, CEPR Discussion Papers from Centre for Economic Policy Research

Abstract: We propose a theory by which geographic variations in the transparency of the production process explain cross-regional differences in the scale of the state, in its hierarchical structure, and in property rights over land. The key linkage between geography and these institutions, we posit, is via the effect of transparency on the state's extractive capacity. We apply our theory to explain institutional differences between ancient Egypt and ancient Upper and Lower Mesopotamia. We also discuss the relevance of our theory to analyses of the deep rooted factors affecting economic development and the growth of taxation in the modern age.

Keywords: Geography; Institutions; Land tenure; State capacity; State concentration; transparency (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: D02 D82 H10 O43 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2013-09
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-geo and nep-ure
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (11)

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Related works:
Journal Article: Geography, Transparency, and Institutions (2017)
Working Paper: Geography, Transparency and Institutions (2016)
Working Paper: Geography, Transparency and Institutions
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