The Use of Violence in Illegal Markets: Evidence from Mahogany Trade in the Brazilian Amazon

A-Tier
Journal: American Economic Journal: Applied Economics
Year: 2017
Volume: 9
Issue: 4
Pages: 30-57

Authors (2)

Ariaster B. Chimeli (not in RePEc) Rodrigo R. Soares (Insper)

Score contribution per author:

2.011 = (α=2.01 / 2 authors) × 2.0x A-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

We provide evidence on the effect of market illegality on violence. Brazil was historically the main exporter of mahogany. Starting in the 1990s, trade was restricted and eventually prohibited. We build on previous evidence that mahogany trade persisted after prohibition and document relative increases in violence in areas with natural occurrence of mahogany. We show that as illegal activity receded in the late 2000s so did the relative increase in violence. We describe an experience of increase in violence following the transition of a market from legal to illegal and contribute to the evaluation of prohibition policies under limited enforcement.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:aea:aejapp:v:9:y:2017:i:4:p:30-57
Journal Field
General
Author Count
2
Added to Database
2026-01-29