The Importance of History for Economic Development

Nathan Nunn

No 14899, NBER Working Papers from National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc

Abstract: This article provides a survey of a growing body of empirical evidence that points towards the important long-term effects that historic events can have on current economic development. The most recent studies, using micro-level data and more sophisticated identification techniques, have moved beyond testing whether history matters, and attempt to identify exactly why history matters. The most commonly examined channels include: institutions, culture, knowledge and technology, and movements between multiple equilibria. The article concludes with a discussion of the questions that remain and the direct of current research in the literature.

JEL-codes: N0 O1 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2009-04
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-dev, nep-his and nep-pke
Note: POL
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (361)

Published as Nathan Nunn, 2009. "The Importance of History for Economic Development," Annual Review of Economics, Annual Reviews, vol. 1(1), pages 65-92, 05.

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Journal Article: The Importance of History for Economic Development (2009)
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