This paper seeks to contribute to the unresolved issue of the effect of economic integration on environmental policy. In particular, we discuss the joint impact of trade openness and political uncertainty. Our theory predicts that the effect of trade integreation on the environment is...

The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, we show that pollution abatement subsidies, defined as subsidies on the inputs to pollution abatement, are inefficient instruments for pollution control. Whereas these types of subsidies are used in practice, the existing literature analyses only...

The global trading system is currently undergoing another round of trade liberalization (the Uruguay Round), and regional economic integration is occurring in several parts of the world (e.g., EU, NAFTA). A surge in the interest in the environment has made the trade-environment link a part of...

This study explores the linkages between trade policy, corruption, and environmental policy. We begin by presenting a theoretical model that produces several testable predictions: i) trade liberalization raises the stringency of environmental policy; ii) corruption reduces environmental policy...

Empirically collusive industries are known to be highly effective lobbyists. The reasons for this unclear and poorly understood. This paper provides a new explanation for the formation of protectionistic lobby groups. The level of collusion is shown to be a crucial determinant of the ability of...

We develop and test a theory of the rule of law and environmental policy formation. In our model an increase in the degree of rule of law has two opposing partial effects on environmental policy: first, a greater share of policy decisions are implemented according to law; second, industry...

This paper seeks to contribute to the unresolved issue of the effect of economic integration on environmental policy. In particular, we discuss the joint impact of trade openness and political uncertainty. Our theory predicts that the effect of trade integreation on the environment is...

This paper argues that it is countries’ historical experience with democracy, the democratic capital stock, rather than current levels of democracy that determines current climate change policies. Empirical evidence using data starting as far back as year 1800 for 87 countries, which together...