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Journal of Economic Integration 2004 September;19(3) :427-446.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.11130/jei.2004.19.3.427
Political Economy of Regional Trading Arrangements in South Asia

Hemanta K. Shrestha Mukti P. Upadhyay 

AT&T Corporation
Eastern Illinois University
Copyright ©2004 Journal of Economic Integration
ABSTRACT

We examine how the factors conventionally found important for trade in other regions of the world influence trade in South Asia. Our gravity model starts by estimating the effects of economic variables such as per capita income and the size of economies on bilateral trade. We then use a novel dataset by extending the model to evaluate the role of non-economic factors such as geography, political cooperation and cultural similarity among nations. We find that the positive effects of incomes and cultural similarity on trade are largely neutralized by adverse political developments that repress trade within the region.

JEL Classification: F15, O57

Keywords: regional trading arrangements | political model | South Asia | gravity model
 
REFERENCE
1. Pollins, B (1989), "Conflict, Cooperation, and Commerce: The Effect of International Political Interactions on Bilateral Trade Flows", American Journal of Political Science, 33(3), 737-761
2. Goldstein, J. (1992), "A Conflict-Cooperation Scale for WEIS Events Data" Journal of Conflict Resolution, 36(2), 369-385.
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