Why Nations Fail: The Origins of Power, Prosperity, and Poverty by Daron Acemoğlu, James A. Robinson

3.83 AVERAGE

ariel_bloomer's review against another edition

4.0
challenging medium-paced

dragos_d's review against another edition

informative slow-paced

jagfinke's review against another edition

2.0
Interesting theory, but limited. Lots of examples simply repeating the same ideas over and over again with very little practical advice.

wavebidder's review against another edition

4.5
medium-paced
Its interesting that a work by one of the most notable current writers on political economy is primarily writing a book of history; given the thesis that long-running institutions are the primary driver of growth, its hard to imagine any other focus, however. Some of the details are a bit sketchy, and its hard to ignore just how strong the liberal (as in pro-market and democracy) perspective is, but overall the book makes a forceful case for the self-sabotage of autocracy.  If it were re-written today, I'd imagine the authors would have to spend a good deal of time talking about potential problems with the virtuous circle, and China's present problems ring as a prescient prediction on their part.

aamv's review against another edition

4.0
informative slow-paced

franlifer's review against another edition

3.75
challenging informative reflective slow-paced

lucychen's review against another edition

3.5
informative slow-paced
Some bits really interesting

maxreads74's review against another edition

4.25
challenging informative medium-paced

naimap's review against another edition

4.0
challenging informative medium-paced

adamantium's review against another edition

5.0
Required reading alongside Guns, Germs, and Steel. A slightly more sophisticated thesis, centering around much more human forces. Read both.