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The Dark Side of Infrastructure: Roads, Repression, and Land in Authoritarian Paraguay

Author

Listed:
  • Gonzalez, Felipe
  • Straub, Stéphane
  • Miquel-Florensa, Josepa
  • Prem, Mounu

Abstract

Transportation infrastructure is associated with economic development, but it can also be used for social control and to benefit the governing elite. We explore the connection between the construction of road networks, state-led repression, and land allocations in the longest dicta­torship in South America: Alfredo Stroessner military regime in Paraguay. Using novel panel data from the truth and reconciliation commission, we show that proximity to roads facilitated state-led repression and the illegal allocation of agricultural plots to dictatorship allies. These results suggest that infrastructure projects can also hinder economic development.

Suggested Citation

  • Gonzalez, Felipe & Straub, Stéphane & Miquel-Florensa, Josepa & Prem, Mounu, 2023. "The Dark Side of Infrastructure: Roads, Repression, and Land in Authoritarian Paraguay," TSE Working Papers 23-1440, Toulouse School of Economics (TSE).
    • Handle: RePEc:tse:wpaper:128127
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    Cited by:

    1. Dominic Rohner, 2025. "Conflict," CESifo Working Paper Series 12035, CESifo.
    2. Klaus W. Deininger & Thea Hilhorst & Zevenbergen,Jaap & Nkurunziza,Emmanuel, 2025. "Capitalizing on Digital Transformation to Enhance the Effectiveness of Property Institutions : Conceptual Background and Evidence from 85 Countries," Policy Research Working Paper Series 11100, The World Bank.
    3. Lax-Martinez, Gema, 2024. "Reservoirs of power: The political legacy of dam construction in Franco’s Spain," Explorations in Economic History, Elsevier, vol. 94(C).

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • H54 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Infrastructures
    • N76 - Economic History - - Economic History: Transport, International and Domestic Trade, Energy, and Other Services - - - Latin America; Caribbean
    • N46 - Economic History - - Government, War, Law, International Relations, and Regulation - - - Latin America; Caribbean

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