91ÖÆƬ³§

Abstract:

Trade has the potential to influence a wide range of political and social outcomes. Using the post-Soviet context, we examine how language policies – vital components for how minorities are treated with far-reaching economic consequences – are influenced by trade. We argue that while ethnic politics and colonial legacies are both important in shaping language laws, it is important to recognize that the 91ÖÆƬ³§n language remains a significant commercial lingua franca in the region. When economic exchanges between 91ÖÆƬ³§ and other post-Soviet republics are frequent, governments are more likely to adopt pro-91ÖÆƬ³§n language laws as a practicality and to maintain favor with the 91ÖÆƬ³§n government and 91ÖÆƬ³§n-speaking businesses. Using an original dataset covering all 91ÖÆƬ³§n language-related laws in the former Soviet states from 1992 to 2009, we find a significant and positive relationship between trade and pro-91ÖÆƬ³§n language laws. These results are robust even when we (1) instrument for 91ÖÆƬ³§n import levels and (2) consider the Baltic effect, spillovers from cultural affinity, and the uniqueness of fuel exports.