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Colonial Persistence

Author

Listed:
  • Fenske, James

    (University of Warwick)

  • Gupta, Bishnupriya

    (University of Warwick)

  • Mukhopadhyay, Anwesh

    (University of Warwick)

Abstract

We review the present-day impacts of colonial rule on former colonies. Persistence exists because of multiple equilibria, path dependence, institutions, culture, knowledge, and technology. Empirical work in this literature primarily uses tools from applied econometrics, though best practices are needed to overcome the limitations of these tools. Colonial interventions relating to institutions, infrastructure, land, forced labour, the slave trade, and human capital all have measurable impacts in the present. And yet many colonial interventions have failed to persist or have led to reversals. These cases are informative about why colonial rule still matters, as are cases where precolonial influences have had persistent impacts despite, or even because of, colonial rule.

Suggested Citation

  • Fenske, James & Gupta, Bishnupriya & Mukhopadhyay, Anwesh, 2025. "Colonial Persistence," The Warwick Economics Research Paper Series (TWERPS) 1557, University of Warwick, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:wrk:warwec:1557
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    File URL: https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/economics/research/workingpapers/2025/twerp_1557-_fenske.pdf
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