We study trade networks following the decline of the Hanseatic League, using a novel trade data set that covers cities and captains in Northern Europe over 190 years. By the time of its dissolution in 1669, trade on former Hansa routes is within predictions from a gravity framework. However, the Hansa continue to shape the composition of trade: Trade between cities in the Hanseatic network continues to be facilitated by Hanseatic captains for centuries. Our paper highlights the long-run stability of commercial and social networks, which persist when other economic effects do not.

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1 September 2025

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Journal of International Economics 1572025

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DOI: 10.1016/j.jinteco.2025.104102

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022199625000583

This Journal article is published under the centre's Neighbourhoods programme.