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Observing Economic Growth in Unrecognized States with Nighttime Light

Author

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  • Masayuki Kudamatsu

    (Associate Professor, Osaka School of International Public Policy, Osaka University)

Abstract

This paper uses the satellite images of nighttime light to estimate economic growth rates in four unrecognized states of the former Soviet Union: Nagorno-Karabakh in Azerbaijan, Abkhazia and South Ossetia in Georgia, and Transnistria in Moldova. We then compare these estimates against those similarly obtained for the parent states to gauge the impact of non-recognition as sovereign states on economic activities. The estimated economic growth rates do not differ much between the breakaway territories and their parent states, suggesting that the economic impact of non-recognition as states may be fairly limited.

Suggested Citation

  • Masayuki Kudamatsu, 2019. "Observing Economic Growth in Unrecognized States with Nighttime Light," OSIPP Discussion Paper 19E002, Osaka School of International Public Policy, Osaka University.
    • Handle: RePEc:osp:wpaper:19e002
    as

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    File URL: http://www.osipp.osaka-u.ac.jp/archives/DP/2019/DP2019E002.pdf
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    Cited by:

    1. Sarah J. Carrington & Pablo Jiménez‐Ayora, 2021. "Shedding light on the convergence debate: Using luminosity data to investigate economic convergence in Ecuador," Review of Development Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 25(1), pages 200-227, February.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Unrecognized states; the former Soviet Union; satellite data; civil conflicts; economic growth;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D74 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Conflict; Conflict Resolution; Alliances; Revolutions
    • O43 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - Institutions and Growth
    • P48 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Other Economic Systems - - - Legal Institutions; Property Rights; Natural Resources; Energy; Environment; Regional Studies

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