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Trade, Development, and the Political Economy of Public Standards

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  • Johan F.M. Swinnen
  • Thijs Vandemoortele

Abstract

This paper presents a political economy model of public standards in an open economy model. We use the model to derive the political optimum and to analyze different factors that have an influence on this political equilibrium. The paper discusses how the level of development influences the political equilibrium. We also analyze the relation between trade and the political equilibrium and compare this political outcome with the social optimum to identify under which cases `under-standardization?or `over-standardization?results, and which standards can be labeled as (producer)protectionist measures.

Suggested Citation

  • Johan F.M. Swinnen & Thijs Vandemoortele, 2009. "Trade, Development, and the Political Economy of Public Standards," LICOS Discussion Papers 23609, LICOS - Centre for Institutions and Economic Performance, KU Leuven.
    • Handle: RePEc:lic:licosd:23609
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    1. Gaeta, Davide & Begalli, Diego & Corsinovi, Paola, 2012. "The alignment of European Law in pre-candidate countries: the case of Bosnia and Herzegovina wine law," 126th Seminar, June 27-29, 2012, Capri, Italy 126100, European Association of Agricultural Economists.
    2. Johan F.M.Swinnen & Thijs Vandemoortele, 2011. "On Butterflies and Frankenstein: A Dynamic Theory of Regulation," LICOS Discussion Papers 27611, LICOS - Centre for Institutions and Economic Performance, KU Leuven.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    standards; political economy; trade; development;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F13 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Trade Policy; International Trade Organizations
    • F59 - International Economics - - International Relations, National Security, and International Political Economy - - - Other
    • H49 - Public Economics - - Publicly Provided Goods - - - Other
    • L15 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Information and Product Quality
    • O1 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development

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