Conversations with Tyler Melissa Dell on the Significance of Persistence
4 snips
Jul 15, 2020 Melissa Dell, a Harvard economics professor and recipient of the John Bates Clark Medal, unravels the historical roots of economic development. She discusses how events like the Mexican Revolution and regional governance shape persistent economic outcomes in countries such as Vietnam and Peru. Dell also highlights the impact of rising temperatures on growth and reflects on the cultural influences that have driven her curiosity. A fascinating exploration of how past accidents can dictate present-day economics, paired with personal anecdotes and insights into data challenges.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Persistence in Vietnam
- Historical events can have persistent effects on economic development, even within seemingly similar regions.
- Melissa Dell's research on Vietnam shows areas with stronger historical states have better local governance and economic outcomes today.
Predictive Power of Persistence
- Development economics struggles to be perfectly predictive due to the complexity of real-world factors.
- Past histories don't guarantee future outcomes, as seen in the divergent paths of South Korea and the Philippines.
State Capacity and Development
- Strong state capacity can be a double-edged sword, beneficial or harmful depending on its use.
- While often a prerequisite for development, state capacity alone isn't enough; the state's actions matter.