Global Governance, Tax Treaties, and Credible Commitments

Abstract

The international tax regime appears to be a weak system of global governance on the surface; however, I find that this system remains effective. This governance structure is built upon the thousands of tax treaties that function as policy instruments for advancing the implementation of global tax policy. Yet there is conflicting evidence in relation to the efficacy of these treaties, necessitating further exploration. In this article, I offer an accessible introduction to some of the key dynamics of the international tax regime and, in doing so, systematically address whether tax treaties may have the capacity to spur cross-border investment in securities. Using augmented gravity models, I find strong empirical evidence in favor of my theory that tax treaties function as credible commitments to international tax norms, potentially increasing portfolio holdings of some foreign securities. My findings should be of significant importance to scholars of international organizations, global governance, and international tax policy.