In this paper, we propose a new approach to represent a country's outward orientation. Prior work mostly uses indicators of aggregate trade intensity, trade policy or trade restrictiveness. Our approach offers a broader perspective as it measures a country's level of integration not only by its...

Trade-offs between policies that promote economic growth and redistribute wealth are discussed extensively in the literature, both from a public finance perspective and from a macroeconomic angle. In fact, social safety nets are sometimes perceived by government in developing countries as a...