Daron Acemoglu on How States Succeed—And Why Many Don’t

Daron Acemoglu and James Robinson argue that the success or failure of nations is determined by their political and economic institutions. They present a comprehensive theory based on 15 years of research, using historical examples from the Roman Empire, the Mayan city-states, the Soviet Union, and various other regions to demonstrate how inclusive institutions foster economic growth and prosperity, while extractive institutions lead to poverty and stagnation. The authors discuss critical questions such as China's economic growth, the future of the United States, and the most effective ways to help countries move from poverty to prosperity.

In 'The Narrow Corridor', Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson explore the delicate balance between state capacity and societal power, arguing that this balance is crucial for achieving liberty and prosperity. They introduce the concept of the 'Shackled Leviathan', where a strong state is kept in check by an active society, preventing both despotism and statelessness. The book uses historical examples to illustrate how this balance can lead to successful governance and economic growth.