In 'The Narrow Corridor', Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson explore the delicate balance between individual liberty and state authority, illuminating how societies navigate the thin path between oppression and chaos. Through captivating historical examples, the authors reveal the conditions that allow for the flourishing of freedoms and the emergence of prosperous, resilient nations. They delve into the concept of the 'narrow corridor', where institutions must align with cultural values to foster stability and growth. As they dissect past and present case studies, readers are invited to ponder critical questions about governance, power, and human potential. This thought-provoking analysis challenges us to reflect on the future of democracy and the critical choices that lie ahead.
By Daron Acemoglu, James A. Robinson
Published: 2019
"In the struggle for freedom and prosperity, the choices we make chart the course of our societies, revealing that the path to a thriving democracy is both narrow and fraught with challenge."
How does history end? -- The Red Queen -- Will to power -- Economics outside the corridor -- Allegory of good government -- The European scissors -- Mandate of Heaven -- Broken Red Queen -- Devil in the details -- What's the matter with Ferguson? -- The paper leviathan -- Wahhab's children -- Red Queen out of control -- Into the corridor -- Living with the leviathan.
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“In the struggle for freedom and prosperity, the choices we make chart the course of our societies, revealing that the path to a thriving democracy is both narrow and fraught with challenge.”
The Narrow Corridor
By Daron Acemoglu, James A. Robinson
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Daron Acemoglu is a prominent economist and professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), renowned for his contributions to political economy and economic development. He is perhaps best known for his co-authored work 'Why Nations Fail: The Origins of Power, Prosperity, and Poverty,' which explores the role of institutions in economic outcomes and has sparked significant debate among scholars and policymakers. Acemoglu's writing style is characterized by clarity and accessibility, making complex economic concepts understandable to a broad audience. His research often emphasizes the interplay between economic and political institutions, and he has published extensively in leading academic journals.
James A. Robinson is a distinguished author and academic known for his contributions to the fields of political economy and development. He co-authored the influential book "Why Nations Fail: The Origins of Power, Prosperity, and Poverty" with Daron Acemoglu, which explores the political and economic factors that shape global disparities. Robinson's writing style is characterized by its rigorous analysis and accessible prose, making complex theories understandable to a wide audience. He has also authored several other notable works, including "Economic Origins of Dictatorship and Democracy" and "The Narrow Corridor: States, Societies, and the Fate of Liberty." Robinson, who holds a PhD in political science from Yale University, is currently a professor at the University of Chicago, where he continues to engage in teaching and research.
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