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Networks in trade — Evidence from the legacy of the Hanseatic league

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  • Marczinek, Max
  • Maurer, Stephan
  • Rauch, Ferdinand

Abstract

We study trade networks following the decline of the Hanseatic League, using a novel trade data set that covers cities and captains in Northern Europe over 190 years. By the time of its dissolution in 1669, trade on former Hansa routes is within predictions from a gravity framework. However, the Hansa continue to shape the composition of trade: Trade between cities in the Hanseatic network continues to be facilitated by Hanseatic captains for centuries. Our paper highlights the long-run stability of commercial and social networks, which persist when other economic effects do not.

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  • Marczinek, Max & Maurer, Stephan & Rauch, Ferdinand, 2025. "Networks in trade — Evidence from the legacy of the Hanseatic league," Journal of International Economics, Elsevier, vol. 157(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:inecon:v:157:y:2025:i:c:s0022199625000583
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jinteco.2025.104102
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    JEL classification:

    • F14 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Empirical Studies of Trade
    • N73 - Economic History - - Economic History: Transport, International and Domestic Trade, Energy, and Other Services - - - Europe: Pre-1913
    • N93 - Economic History - - Regional and Urban History - - - Europe: Pre-1913

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