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Institutional Transformations, Polity and Economic Outcomes: Testing the North-Wallis-Weingast Doorsteps Framework

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  • Mr. Marc G Quintyn
  • Sophia Gollwitzer

Abstract

This paper tests the theoretical framework developed by North, Wallis and Weingast (2009) on the transition from closed to open access societies. They posit that societies need to go through three doorsteps: (i) the establishment of rule of law among elites; (ii) the adoption of perpetually existing organizations; and (iii) the political control of the military. We identify indicators reflecting these doorsteps and graphically test the correlation between them and a set of political and economic variables. Finally, through Identification through Heteroskedasticity we test these relationships econometrically. The paper broadly confirms the logic behind the doorsteps as necessary steps in the transition to open access societies. The doorsteps influence economic and political processes, as well as each other, with varying intensity. We also identify income inequality as a potentially important force leading to social change.

Suggested Citation

  • Mr. Marc G Quintyn & Sophia Gollwitzer, 2012. "Institutional Transformations, Polity and Economic Outcomes: Testing the North-Wallis-Weingast Doorsteps Framework," IMF Working Papers 2012/087, International Monetary Fund.
    • Handle: RePEc:imf:imfwpa:2012/087
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    Cited by:

    1. Mireille Razafindrakoto & François Roubaud & Jean-Michel Wachsberger, 2013. "Institutions, gouvernance et croissance de long terme à Madagascar : l'enigme et le paradoxe," Working Papers DT/2013/13, DIAL (Développement, Institutions et Mondialisation).
    2. Ms. Corinne C Delechat & Ms. Ejona Fuli & Mrs. Dafina Glaser & Mr. Gustavo Ramirez & Rui Xu, 2015. "Exiting From Fragility in sub-Saharan Africa: The Role of Fiscal Policies and Fiscal Institutions," IMF Working Papers 2015/268, International Monetary Fund.
    3. repec:dau:papers:123456789/12014 is not listed on IDEAS
    4. Corinne Deléchat & Ejona Fuli & Dafina Mulaj & Gustavo Ramirez & Rui Xu, 2018. "Exiting from Fragility in Sub‐Saharan Africa: The Role of Fiscal Policies and Fiscal Institutions," South African Journal of Economics, Economic Society of South Africa, vol. 86(3), pages 271-307, September.

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