This paper provides the first systematic attempt to measure cultural diversity at national and subnational levels. Our measure reflects the degree to which values and beliefs are shared in society and captures a dimension of diversity not previously discussed. We assess the importance of...

Are open economies characterized by superior economic performance in the long-run? This paper revisits this important question from the point of the view of unified growth theory. Contrary to other recent attempts to study this question, the paper considers two distinct channels through which...

The typical narrative regarding the evolution of world trade prior to World War II refers to a secular rise that started around 1870 and a subsequent collapse that began in 1914. This narrative, though, is based on measures of trade openness that do not fully take into account purchasing power...