Ethnogenesis and Statelessness

36 Pages Posted: 13 Sep 2019 Last revised: 10 Nov 2020

See all articles by Vincent Geloso

Vincent Geloso

George Mason University - Department of Economics

Louis Rouanet

George Mason University

Multiple version iconThere are 2 versions of this paper

Date Written: January 13, 2020

Abstract

The process of ethnogenesis (i.e. the formation of new ethnic groups) can be considered equivalent to the production of "governance goods" in situation of statelessness. The process of ethnogenesis is a response to the problem of social distance between heterogeneous groups which is a barrier to trade. As an investment in governance, ethnogenesis reduces this trade barrier and expands the scope for specialization. To argue the case, this paper relies on two examples of peaceful and productive relations between Native Indians and European settlers in Canada before the mid-19th century. The emergence of "hybrid" cultural groups and identities fostered peaceful relations and permitted trade to occur in borderlands areas where state rule was virtually nonexistent. This in turn facilitated the transatlantic fur trade. Both these examples suggest that cultural processes can be endogenous responses to the production of governance.

Keywords: Ethnogenesis, Statelessness, Property Rights, Canadian Economic History, Native Americans

JEL Classification: N41, P14, P48, L22

Suggested Citation

Geloso, Vincent and Rouanet, Louis, Ethnogenesis and Statelessness (January 13, 2020). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3448582 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3448582

Vincent Geloso (Contact Author)

George Mason University - Department of Economics ( email )

4400 University Drive
Fairfax, VA 22030
United States

Louis Rouanet

George Mason University ( email )

4400 University Drive
Fairfax, VA 22030
United States

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