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The Slave Trade and the Origins of Mistrust in Africa*

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Author

Listed:
  • Nathan Nunn
  • Leonard Wantchekon

Abstract

We show that current differences in trust levels within Africa can be traced back to the transatlantic and Indian Ocean slave trades. Combining contemporary individual-level survey data with historical data on slave shipments by ethnic group, we find that individuals whose ancestors were heavily raided during the slave trade are less trusting today. Evidence from a variety of identification strategies suggests that the relationship is causal. Examining causal mechanisms, we show that most of the impact of the slave trade is through factors that are internal to the individual, such as cultural norms, beliefs, and values. (JEL J15, N57, Z13)

Suggested Citation

  • Nathan Nunn & Leonard Wantchekon, 2011. "The Slave Trade and the Origins of Mistrust in Africa," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 101(7), pages 3221-3252, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:aecrev:v:101:y:2011:i:7:p:3221-52
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    Replication

    This item has been replicated by:
  • Koen Deconinck & Marijke Verpoorten, 2013. "Narrow and scientific replication of ‘The slave trade and the origins of mistrust in Africa'," Journal of Applied Econometrics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 28(1), pages 166-169, January.

    • More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • N00 - Economic History - - General - - - General
    • O1 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development

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    1. The Slave Trade and the Origins of Mistrust in Africa (AER 2011) in ReplicationWiki

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