This one-day workshop aims to bring together scholars working on the historical effects of trade policy on inequality, welfare, and related outcomes.
We invite submissions for a one-day workshop on the theme “Distributional Consequences of Trade Policy in Historical Perspective” to be held at Liseberg Grand Curiosa Hotel in Gothenburg, Sweden, on Friday 4 December 2026.
The workshop aims to bring together scholars working on the historical effects of trade policy on inequality, welfare, and related outcomes. While the economic consequences of tariffs and trade liberalisation have long been central topics in economic history, growing contemporary interest in inequality, globalisation, industrial policy, and protectionism has renewed attention to the historical distributional effects of trade policy across regions, sectors, social groups, and countries.
We welcome contributions covering all historical periods and geographical areas. We are particularly interested in papers on:
The workshop is intended to be discussion-oriented and relatively small in scale, with approximately 8–10 papers presented during the day. We ask that presenters submit a full draft two weeks before the workshop to give attendees time to read them all.
Please submit:
Submissions should be sent to christopher.absell@gu.se and stefania.galli@gu.se
The workshop is supported by a research grant from Riksbankens Jubileumsfond. The organisers will cover accommodation in Hotel Grand Curiosa for two nights. Limited funding may be available to support travel expenses for presenters. Please indicate the need for this when submitting.