The macroeconomic dynamics of trade liberalization, resource exploitation, and backstop technologies

The main conclusion of the first part of the dissertation is that intertemporal welfare effects from trade liberalizing reforms are important and should therefore be taken into account when judging the desirability of coordinated tax-tariff reforms in developing countries. The second part shows that the existence of backstop technologies is crucial for economic growth perspectives, the pace and nature of technological change, and the development of fossil fuel extraction over time. Moreover, it is shown that as a result of directed technological change, the actual implementation of a backstop technology may become a self-fulfilling-prophecy.