Azim Essaji

My research has mainly focused on how legal/regulatory environments shape the trading patterns of developing countries. My work in these areas have been published, most notably, in the Journal of International Economics and the Journal of Comparative Economics.

More recently, I have been working in the area of Indigenous economic development.  I have study the impact of the railway on Indigenous land dispossession, as well the role of addtions-to-reserve in advancing economic development in First Nations' communities.

I am available to supervise students on any topic related to my research interests.

• Chan, Jeff, Azim Essaji and Rob Gillezeau.  “Improved Market Access and Indigenous Land Loss: Evidence from 19th-Century US Railroad Expansion.” AEA Papers and Proceedings.  116: 652-57. (May 2026).
• Chan, Jeff, Azim Essaji and Rob Gillezeau.  “Railroads, Land Cessions and Indigenous Nations: Evidence from Canada.” Canadian Journal of Economics.  58:3: 860-890. (November 2025).
• Essaji, Azim and Kinya Fujiwara. “Contracting Institutions and Product Quality.” Journal of Comparative Economics. 40(2): 269-278. (May 2012).
• Essaji, Azim, Alexandra Kotsopoulos and Gregory Sweeney. “Equality Through Exposure? International Trade and the Racial Wage Gap.” Journal of Economic Policy Reform. 13(4): 313-323. (December 2010).
• Essaji, Azim. “Trade Liberalization, Standards and Protection.” B.E. Journal of Economic Analysis and Policy. 10(1) (Topics): Article 55. (2010).
• Essaji, Azim. “Technical Regulations and Specialization in International Trade.” Journal of International Economics. 76(2): 166-76. (December 2008).