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Cows and Conquistadors: A Contribution on the Colonial Origins of Comparative Development

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  • David Fielding
  • Sebastian Torres

Abstract

Identification of the impact of political and economic institutions on economic development requires the use of valid instruments for institutional quality. Recent empirical studies use colonial settler mortality rates as such an instrument. Our paper develops a more eclectic theory of colonial development, and compares the performance of the settler mortality model to alternatives incorporating instruments reflecting the factor endowments of colonial economies. Ceteris paribus, colonies with a natural comparative advantage in pastoral agriculture were more likely to experience European settlement that led to non-extractive institutions.

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  • David Fielding & Sebastian Torres, 2008. "Cows and Conquistadors: A Contribution on the Colonial Origins of Comparative Development," Journal of Development Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 44(8), pages 1081-1099.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:jdevst:v:44:y:2008:i:8:p:1081-1099
    DOI: 10.1080/00220380802242347
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Rosemary Thorp, 1998. "Progress, Poverty and Exclusion: An Economic History of Latin America in the 20th Century," IDB Publications (Books), Inter-American Development Bank, number 79303, February.
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    Cited by:

    1. Stephen Knowles & P. Dorian Owen, 2010. "Which Institutions are Good for Your Health? The Deep Determinants of Comparative Cross-country Health Status," Journal of Development Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 46(4), pages 701-723.
    2. Biliang Hu & Xing Tang & Lin Yin & Qian Liu, 2021. "Emerging Markets Redefined: Comprehensive Measurement and Future Prospects," Global Journal of Emerging Market Economies, Emerging Markets Forum, vol. 13(2), pages 165-191, May.
    3. Chen, Yunyan & Wu, Shinong & Zhou, Yucheng & Huo, Di, 2023. "Gambling culture and corporate violations: Evidence from China," Pacific-Basin Finance Journal, Elsevier, vol. 80(C).
    4. Fredriksson, Per G. & Gupta, Satyendra Kumar, 2022. "Land productivity and colonization," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 113(C).
    5. Bezemer, Dirk & Bolt, Jutta & Lensink, Robert, 2014. "Slavery, Statehood, and Economic Development in Sub-Saharan Africa," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 57(C), pages 148-163.
    6. Stephen Knowles, 2006. "Is Social Capital Part of the Institutions Continuum and is it a Deep Determinant of Development?," WIDER Working Paper Series RP2006-25, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
    7. Stephen Knowles, & Clayton Weatherston, 2006. "Informal Institutions and Cross-Country Income Differences," Discussion Papers 06/06, University of Nottingham, CREDIT.

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