Pédussel Wu, J., Banach, C., Goulas, S., Silva Neira, I. (2024). Institute for International Political Economy, Berlin. Working Paper No. 239/2024
This paper introduces the BLOCS database, a global panel dataset for analyzing trade agreements and international flows. Using updated structural gravity models and comparative trade measures, the authors explore whether regional trade agreements act as “stepping stones” or “stumbling blocks” to multilateral trade. Findings suggest that institutional design—more than participation alone—predicts variation in trade outcomes. Continue Reading