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Historical Legacy and Institutions Across Countries

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  • Kevin Sylwester

Abstract

Several recent theories postulate why some countries were able to devise institutions conducive to long-run economic growth whereas others were not. Most of these consider various historical factors or geographic characteristics as important predeterminants. But which of these theories comes closest to the truth? This paper simultaneously considers several competing theories and empirically examines which ones provide the strongest explanations for contemporary institutions. I find that settler mortality rates are strongly associated with contemporary institutions even when controlling for other important historical factors, including ones from theories that do not emphasize geographic characteristics. However, Englebert's concept of state legitimacy does best at explaining institutional outcomes within sub-Saharan Africa.

Suggested Citation

  • Kevin Sylwester, 2008. "Historical Legacy and Institutions Across Countries," Journal of Applied Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 11(2), pages 373-398, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:recsxx:v:11:y:2008:i:2:p:373-398
    DOI: 10.1080/15140326.2008.12040512
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    Cited by:

    1. Talea Bernatzki & Matthias Busse & Ruth Hoekstra, 2022. "Promoting Rwanda’s business environment: Impact of reforms and drivers of change," Development Policy Review, Overseas Development Institute, vol. 40(2), March.
    2. Madeeha Gohar Qureshi & Unbreen Qayyum & Musleh Ud Din & Ejaz Ghani, 2021. "Acemoglu, Johnson and Robinson’s Notion of Exogenous Imposition of Colonial Institutions onto Colonies— A Critique in the Light of Historical Evidence," The Pakistan Development Review, Pakistan Institute of Development Economics, vol. 60(2), pages 133-152.
    3. Busse, Matthias & Hoekstra, Ruth & Osei, Robert D., 2013. "The Effectiveness of Aid in Improving Regulations: Empirical evidence and the drivers of change in Rwanda," IEE Working Papers 198, Ruhr University Bochum, Institute of Development Research and Development Policy (IEE).

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