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Cited by 1,554

The DOI matches its Crossref record; 2 of the 2 references it cites were found in a registry or an index.

A Theory of Political Transitions

Open access
Acemoglu, Daron, Robinson, James A·2001·American Economic Review

Abstract

We develop a theory of political transitions inspired by the experiences of Western Europe and Latin America. Nondemocratic societies are controlled by a rich elite. The initially disenfranchised poor can contest power by threatening revolution, especially when the opportunity cost is low, for example, during recessions. The threat of revolution may force the elite to democratize. Democracy may not consolidate because it is redistributive, and so gives the elite an incentive to mount a coup. Highly unequal societies are less likely to consolidate democracy, and may end up oscillating between regimes and suffer substantial fiscal volatility. (JEL D72, D74, O15, P16)

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Metadata

Authors
Acemoglu, D., & Robinson, J. A.
Venue
American Economic Review
Published
2001-09-01
Volume
91
Issue
4
Pages
938-963
ISSN
0002-8282 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W3123985485
Cited by
1,554
References
2
FWCI
96.57
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
green

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CoChat. (2026). Citation check: A Theory of Political Transitions. https://app.cochat.ai/papers/10.1257/aer.91.4.938
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Acemoglu, D., & Robinson, J. A. (2001). A Theory of Political Transitions. American Economic Review. https://doi.org/10.1257/aer.91.4.938

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