Political Predation and Economic Development
49 Pages Posted: 29 Mar 2005
There are 2 versions of this paper
Political Predation and Economic Development
Political Predation and Economic Development
Date Written: March 2005
Abstract
Economic growth occurs as resources are reallocated from the traditional sector to the more productive modern sector. Yet, the latter is more vulnerable to political predation. Hence, political risk hinders development. We analyze a politico-economic game between citizens and governments, whose type (benevolent or predatory) is unknown to the citizens. In equilibrium, opportunistic governments mix between predation and restraint. As long as restraint is observed, political expectations improve and the economy grows. Once there is predation, the reputation of the current government is ruined and the economy collapses. If citizens are unable to overthrow this government, the collapse is durable. Otherwise, a new government is drawn and the economy can rebound. Equilibrium dynamics are characterized as a Markov chain. Consistent with stylized facts, equilibrium political and economic histories are random, unstable and exhibit long-term divergence. Our theoretical model also generates new empirical implications on the joint dynamics of income inequality, output and political variables.
Keywords: political risk, economic development, two-sector economy, growth paths, markov chain, reputation
JEL Classification: D72, D82, O14, O17, O41, O55, O57
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation
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