so glad I found you

[micaela]

Harry, sorry I missed your post.
I read both 'Germs, guns and steel' and 'why nations fail' and liked both books very much. They are definitely well written, intelligent and provocative, in my opinion. Why Nations fail is a must-read especially if you are already familiar with Diamond's theory. Indeed, 'Why Nations fail' core thesis is that the fundamental reason that is responsible for the success or failure of a country is to be found on the country's inner political institutions. The authors talk extensively about extractive versus inclusive institutions and bring forth many different cases.
I found only one problem with their thesis but I don't want to tell you before you have finished reading the book.....

[Harry Marks]

'Why Nations fail' core thesis is that the fundamental reason that is responsible for the success or failure of a country is to be found on the country's inner political institutions. The authors talk extensively about extractive versus inclusive institutions and bring forth many different cases.

This is always an interesting topic. Economists even talk about the "curse of oil" though that is overstated. I look forward to reading a careful presentation. Acemoglu has a great track record (I don't know Robinson's work), so I can expect at least a thorough documentation of their perspective.

I found only one problem with their thesis but I don't want to tell you before you have finished reading the book.....

Okay, thanks for not spoiling. I will check whether my wife's copy is with us here or in a box, and if in a box, whether I will download an electronic version. I look forward to discussing it (maybe we should find the old thread and look through it), but I will let you know by mid-January if I decide not to read it.