Networks in trade — Evidence from the legacy of the Hanseatic league
Journal
Journal of International Economics
ISSN
0022-1996
Type
journal article
Date Issued
2025-09
Author(s)
Abstract
We study trade networks following the decline of the Hanseatic League, using a novel trade data set that covers cities and captains in Northern Europe over 190 years. By the time of its dissolution in 1669, trade on former Hansa routes is within predictions from a gravity framework. However, the Hansa continue to shape the composition of trade: Trade between cities in the Hanseatic network continues to be facilitated by Hanseatic captains for centuries. Our paper highlights the long-run stability of commercial and social networks, which persist when other economic effects do not.
HSG Classification
contribution to scientific community
Refereed
yes
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Volume
157
Subject(s)