Review of the gravity model: origins and critical analysis of its theoretical development

Abstract This article presents a bibliographic review of the gravitational model in international trade from when it was first associated with Newton's law universal gravitation. Firstly, I will introduce concept gravity commerce as originally intended by Isard (Q J Econ 68(2):305–320, 1954) relation to Tinbergen and Tobler’s approaches. Secondly, analyse theoretical roots economics according several authors, including McCallum, Anderson van Wincoop, Krugman, Tranos, Nijkamp. Thirdly, attention be drawn evolution ideas authors mentioned above upon Isard’s initial approach rooted physics. Furthermore, focus on how tool physics can applied or adapted trade. Throughout this article, try keep econophysical nature model.