There is considerable debate over whether and how political institutions affect economic performance and vice versa. Does the form of government, democracy or dictatorship, have an important bearing on economic growth and efficiency, and how does growth affect the consolidation of democracy? Under what circumstances is democracy a spur for greater equality, and does inequality spur revolution? An apparently important aspect of this debate is how international influences through trade, the actions of international institutions, and political events in foreign countries, affect political regime change, say from dictatorship to democracy, and political consolidation on peaceful government after civil war or revolution.

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Aidt T. and P. S. Jensen, (2012); “Workers of the World, Unite! Franchise Extensions and the Threat of Revolution in Europe, 1820-1938.” Cambridge Working Papers in Economics 1102, Faculty of Economics, University of Cambridge.

Aidt T., F. Albornoz and M. Gassebner (2012); “The Golden Hello and Political Transitions.” CESifo Working Paper Series 3957, , CESifo Group Munich.

Ellis C. J. and J. Fender (2011); “Information Cascades and Revolutionary Regime Transition.” Economic Journal 121(551): 763792.

Ornelas E. and X. Liu, (2012); “Free Trade Agreements and the Consolidation of Democracy.” Working Paper, London School of Economics.