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Democracy, openness and jumps in growth

Author

Listed:
  • Gabriele Deana

    (Bocconi University and University of Milan - Italy)

  • Andrea Gamba

    (CESPRI Bocconi University, Milan - Italy)

Abstract

We identify multiple structural breaks in a growth series using the econometric method developed by Bai and Perron (1998, 2003). We then regress the indicator of detected positive and negative breaks on three kinds of explanatory variables: external shocks, institutions and policies. Our results show that a change towards democratization fosters booms. Economic liberalizations act as an insurance against the probability of incurring into a crisis, while moves towards autarky undermine the chances of experiencing booms. We employ program evaluation to isolate single reforms and to assess the importance of reform sequencing: we find that democratization is a driver for growth and subsequent liberalization ensures stability.

Suggested Citation

  • Gabriele Deana & Andrea Gamba, 2008. "Democracy, openness and jumps in growth," KITeS Working Papers 221, KITeS, Centre for Knowledge, Internationalization and Technology Studies, Universita' Bocconi, Milano, Italy, revised Jul 2008.
    • Handle: RePEc:cri:cespri:wp221
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    political liberalization; democracy; economic reform; long-run economic growth;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O11 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Macroeconomic Analyses of Economic Development
    • O43 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - Institutions and Growth
    • E65 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Macroeconomic Policy, Macroeconomic Aspects of Public Finance, and General Outlook - - - Studies of Particular Policy Episodes

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