Are Political Freedoms Converging? |
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| Authors: | Michael L Nieswiadomy Mark C Strazicich |
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| Institution: | Nieswiadomy:;Professor, Department of Economics, P.O. Box 311457, University of North Texas, Denton, TX 76203–1457. Phone 1–940–565–2244, Fax 1–940–565–4426, E-mail Strazicich:;Assistant Professor, Department of Economics, P.O. Box 311457, University of North Texas, Denton, TX 76203–1457. Phone 1–940–565–2220, Fax 1–940–565–4426, E-mail |
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| Abstract: | This article tests for convergence of 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 β-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. (JEL O57 , O40 , C3 ) |
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