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The Origins of Common Identity: Evidence from Alsace-Lorraine

Author

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  • Sirus H. Dehdari
  • Kai Gehring

Abstract

We study how more negative historical exposure to the actions of nation-states—like war, occupation, and repression—affects the formation of regional identity. The quasi-exogenous division of the French regions Alsace and Lorraine allows us to implement a geographical regression discontinuity design at the municipal level. Using measures of stated and revealed preferences, we find that more negative experiences with nation-states are associated with a stronger regional identity in the short, medium, and long run. This is linked to preferences for more regional decision-making. Establishing regional organizations seems to be a key mechanism to maintaining and strengthening regional identity.

Suggested Citation

  • Sirus H. Dehdari & Kai Gehring, 2022. "The Origins of Common Identity: Evidence from Alsace-Lorraine," American Economic Journal: Applied Economics, American Economic Association, vol. 14(1), pages 261-292, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:aejapp:v:14:y:2022:i:1:p:261-92
    DOI: 10.1257/app.20190772
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    JEL classification:

    • H77 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - Intergovernmental Relations; Federalism
    • N43 - Economic History - - Government, War, Law, International Relations, and Regulation - - - Europe: Pre-1913
    • N44 - Economic History - - Government, War, Law, International Relations, and Regulation - - - Europe: 1913-
    • N93 - Economic History - - Regional and Urban History - - - Europe: Pre-1913
    • N94 - Economic History - - Regional and Urban History - - - Europe: 1913-
    • Z13 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Economic Sociology; Economic Anthropology; Language; Social and Economic Stratification

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