Rule of law and economic performance: A meta-regression analysis

Abstract

This paper employs a meta-regression analysis to investigate the influence of the rule of law on economic performance. We analyze 72 empirical studies (466 estimates) on the relationship between the rule of law and economic performance. Our findings indicate the presence of publication selection biases; however, they also confirm a positive and moderate effect of the rule of law on economic performance. We also identify spatial, development level, measurement practices, and methodological specifications as the main sources of heterogeneity in the results of the primary studies.