Roberto Nistico

Economic Sanctions and Trade Flows in the Neighborhood

In this study, Roberto Nisticò, joint with V. Bove and J. Di Salvatore, investigates the effect of economic sanctions on trade flows in countries sharing a border with sanctioned states. According to trade models, sanctions are expected to reduce trade flows as they disrupt established trading routes and economic relationships with suppliers and customers. However, there may also be instances where countries circumvent trade restrictions by clandestinely exchanging goods with sanctioned countries across the border and trading on their behalf, leading to an increase in imports and/or exports. To shed light on this issue, the researchers employ a combination of large-N panel data analysis and comparative case studies using the synthetic control method. They find that, in the aggregate, neighboring countries experience economic costs as sanctions disrupt trade. Yet, case studies uncover heterogeneity in countries' responses, with some cases exhibiting an increase in trade flows.

Mr. Nisticò’s research interests are in Development Economics, Labor Economics and Political Economics. His current research projects include: STEP BY STEP: Educational Stages, Choices, Achievement and Long-run Outcomes; Mentoring and Schooling Choices: Experimental Evidence from Italy; The Effects of Tenure-track Systems on Selection, Productivity and Fertility; Toward a Comprehensive Assessment of Labour Market Reforms; and The impact of the Italian Jobs Act on fertility.

Roberto Nisticò is Associate Professor of Economics at the University of Naples Federico II. He is also Research Fellow at the Center for Studies in Economics and Finance (CSEF) in Naples as well as an IZA Research Affiliate. He earned his PhD in Economics from the University of Essex. He holds a Doctorate in Economics from the University of Naples Parthenope and a Master’s in Economics and Finance (MEF) from the University of Naples Federico II.