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Ethnically asymmetric political representation and the provision of public goods: theory and evidence from Ethiopia

Author

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  • Teferi Mergo

    (University of Waterloo)

  • Alain-Désiré Nimubona

    (University of Waterloo)

  • Horatiu Alin Rus

    (University of Waterloo)

Abstract

While the salience of ethnicity as a factor in African politics has been documented in the literature, less is known about its impacts on economic development. Using data from Ethiopia, we study the developmental impacts of ethnically asymmetric political representation. We find that enhanced political representation improves access to public goods. Moreover, regional disparities of access to public goods due to improved political representation are more pronounced in rural than in urban areas. To complement our empirical analysis, we construct a theoretical model that suggests potential mechanisms through which public goods provision favors regions with better political representation.

Suggested Citation

  • Teferi Mergo & Alain-Désiré Nimubona & Horatiu Alin Rus, 2023. "Ethnically asymmetric political representation and the provision of public goods: theory and evidence from Ethiopia," Economics of Governance, Springer, vol. 24(4), pages 519-547, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:ecogov:v:24:y:2023:i:4:d:10.1007_s10101-023-00302-8
    DOI: 10.1007/s10101-023-00302-8
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Political representation; Public goods; Ethiopia; Non-democratic politics; Ethno-federalism;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • H41 - Public Economics - - Publicly Provided Goods - - - Public Goods
    • P16 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Capitalist Economies - - - Capitalist Institutions; Welfare State
    • O10 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - General
    • O55 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - Africa

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