This paper analyzes a source of path dependency in institutions. Within a bargaining theory of reform, the starting point, domain of bargaining, and number of bargains reached determine the path of institutional change. We test this theory by focusing on the independence constitutions of Africa...

"Several studies link modern economic performance to institutions transplanted by European colonizers and here we extend this line of research to Asia. Japan imposed its system of well-defined property rights in land on some of its Asian colonies, including Korea, Taiwan and Palau. In 1939 Japan...