New research reveals a counterintuitive relationship between state stability and economic development in Europe.

Key Findings: States with either very short or very long durations historically lag behind those experiencing medium-length rule today. This suggests that neither extreme form of political continuity nor instability fosters optimal wealth creation.

Why It Matters?

This historical analysis indicates two distinct problems hinder economic progress: investment disruption during unstable periods, and elite capture limiting innovation in highly stable contexts.

Real-World Relevance: The study offers insights for scholars examining the complex interplay between governance continuity and national wealth across different political systems worldwide.

The research synthesizes historical data from regions spanning continental Europe throughout recorded history to demonstrate this non-linear pattern. By tracking state durations (from 1 AD to present) through economic indicators, researchers identify a V-shaped curve where both ends of the stability spectrum negatively impact prosperity.