New research on the historical origins of old-age pensions from a political regime perspective shows stark differences between democratic and nondemocratic systems. Democratic regimes introduced significantly higher legal pension coverage rates than their autocratic counterparts.

* Data & Methods: Using the novel PENLEG dataset covering global pension introductions

* Temporal Effects: Countries with longstanding democracies set substantially higher coverage standards compared to those that recently democratized

* Colonial Context: French colonial rule influenced high pension coverage rates in African autocracies

This study highlights how political systems shape welfare policies differently. It demonstrates the importance of examining multiple dimensions when analyzing regime impacts on social programs, including:

1️⃣ A contrast between democratic and nondemocratic approaches to old-age pensions.

2️⃣ The role of historical development in establishing pension systems.

3️⃣ Specific attention given to colonial influences across Africa.