Are political freedoms converging?

ASU Author/Contributor (non-ASU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Mark Strazicich Ph.D., Professor (Creator)
Institution
Appalachian State University (ASU )
Web Site: https://library.appstate.edu/

Abstract: This article tests for convergence o f freedom using Freedom House's (2002) indices of political rights and civil liberties in 136 countries from 1972 to 2001. Time-series tests, using structural breaks, are employed to test for stochastic and [beta]-convergence. Cross-section tests are performed to examine the impact of legal systems, education, natural resources, economic freedom, and other variables. We find that political freedoms are converging for one-half of the countries. Additionally, we find that the level of freedom is significantly related to the legal system, education, economic freedom, and natural resources.

Additional Information

Publication
Nieswiadomy, M.L. & Straazicich, M.C. (2004). Are Political Freedoms Converging?” Economic Inquiry, 42(2), 323-340 (April 2004). Published by Wiley-Blackwell (ISSN: 0095-2583). [The definitive version is available at www3.interscience.wiley.com]
Language: English
Date: 2004

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