Why Nations Fail: The Origins of Power, Prosperity, and Poverty
Origins Power Prosperity Poverty: Why Nations Fail examines why some countries prosper while others remain poor, arguing that political and economic institutions are central to those outcomes. Daron Acemoglu and James Robinson use historical examples from several regions to develop this political-economy argument.
At a glance
- Presents institutions as a key explanation for differences in national wealth and poverty.
- Uses historical examples including the Roman Empire, Mayan city-states, the Soviet Union, the United States and Africa.
- The listing describes the book as drawing on fifteen years of research.
Often bought together
Pros and cons
Pros
- Wide-ranging historical examples give context to its political and economic argument.
- Customer feedback describes the central ideas as compelling and the prose as easy to understand.
Cons
- Some customers find the book repetitive.
Technical specifications
9 specifications| Publisher | Crown Currency |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 1 Jan. 1900 |
| Edition | 1st |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 544 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0307719219 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0307719218 |
| Weight listed | 1.05 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 16.76 x 4.19 x 24.23 cm |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers interested in political economy, economic history and explanations of national prosperity.
- Readers who want a substantial book built around historical case studies.
Less suited to
- Readers seeking a short introduction or a narrative without repeated discussion of its central argument.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
68% 68% - 4 stars
22% 22% - 3 stars
8% 8% - 2 stars
1% 1% - 1 star
1% 1%
Customer feedback often praises the book as well-researched, readable and thought-provoking, with interesting historical cases and a clear central idea. Other customers find it repetitive, while historical complexity is a mixed point. The listing describes a 544-page argument supported by examples across regions, so its breadth may suit readers seeking context but the repeated development of the thesis may be a drawback for some. Overall ratings lean strongly positive, though ratings alone do not explain individual readers' reactions.
Positive themes
- Customers praise the research, readability, central insight and case studies.
- Feedback describes the narrative as thought-provoking and well structured.
Negative themes
- Some customers report that the book is extremely repetitive.
Mixed feedback
- Some feedback indicates that the historical complexity is a mixed experience.
Frequently asked questions
What is the central argument of Why Nations Fail?
The book argues that political and economic institutions are central to explaining why some nations prosper while others remain poor.
What examples does the book use?
The listing names examples from the Roman Empire, Mayan city-states, the Soviet Union, the United States and Africa.
How long is this edition?
The listing gives a print length of 544 pages.
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