We develop a two-country, two-sector model with a continuum of workers to address the link between migration and trade where policy is determined by a simple referendum. In particular, we address two questions. First, are states already in free trade areas more likely to support full integration...

The majority of African countries implemented import liberalisation in the 1990s. This paper explores factors that may explain the pattern of protection and of tariff reform. We consider political economy explanations, motivated specifically by the Grossman and Helpman (1994) model of protection...

Trade reform creates winners and losers. When the median voter loses from reform, free trade is blocked. Allowing the electorate to vote for compensatory wage or employment subsidies may lead to free trade under these circumstances. However, placing compensation on the agenda may also lead to an...