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The ties that bind: geopolitical motivations for economic integration

Author

Listed:
  • Julian Hinz

    (Bielefeld University
    Kiel Institute for the World Economy)

Abstract

Economic determinants of economic integration agreements have received ample attention in the economic literature. Political motivations for such agreements have been mostly studied as functions of domestic politics or in the context of conflict. In this paper the author suggests a different narrative. Economic integration may be used as an instrument of foreign policy, where political considerations influence the choice of contracting partners. He sketches a simple model that exhibits the proposed mechanism in which a big country chooses between alternatives for integration in terms of economic and political welfare gains, while a small country is indifferent between possible partners for integration. In the empirical part the author uses a novel dataset on political events to test the predictions of the model and finds evidence for the hypothesis that there is more to economic integration than “just trade”. Geopolitical considerations play a determining role in the choice of the contracting partner country and the depth of economic integration.

Suggested Citation

  • Julian Hinz, 2023. "The ties that bind: geopolitical motivations for economic integration," Review of World Economics (Weltwirtschaftliches Archiv), Springer;Institut für Weltwirtschaft (Kiel Institute for the World Economy), vol. 159(1), pages 51-100, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:weltar:v:159:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1007_s10290-022-00461-6
    DOI: 10.1007/s10290-022-00461-6
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Economic integration; Geopolitics; Gravity equation; Event data;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F13 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Trade Policy; International Trade Organizations
    • F15 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Economic Integration
    • F51 - International Economics - - International Relations, National Security, and International Political Economy - - - International Conflicts; Negotiations; Sanctions
    • F53 - International Economics - - International Relations, National Security, and International Political Economy - - - International Agreements and Observance; International Organizations

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