Rebuttal to “Historical state and its legacy: another perspective on Dai Viet-Khmer economic division in Vietnam”

The article addresses key concerns raised about a previous study on the Dai Viet-Khmer economic division in Vietnam, specifically focusing on the use of province fixed effects, alternative historical boundaries, and the potential influence of Ho Chi Minh City on the results. It clarifies that including modern province fixed effects is inappropriate due to the lack of within-province variation in the treatment. The study also acknowledges the complexity of historical boundaries but provides evidence supporting the chosen boundary, demonstrating that results are consistent even when Ho Chi Minh City is excluded. The authors highlight the importance of local factors and civic engagement in shaping economic outcomes, offering a nuanced perspective that distinguishes their work from similar studies.