Why Nations Fail: The Origins of Power, Prosperity, and Poverty by Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson

Why Nations Fail: The Origins of Power, Prosperity, and Poverty by Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson is a landmark exploration of why some nations achieve lasting prosperity while others remain trapped in poverty and instability. The authors argue that the key lies not in geography, culture, or natural resources, but in the strength and inclusiveness of political and economic institutions. Synopsis Drawing on examples from across the globe and throughout history—from the Roman Empire to modern-day North Korea and South Korea—the book demonstrates how inclusive institutions foster innovation, investment, and stability, while extractive institutions concentrate power and wealth in the hands of a few, leading to stagnation and collapse. Acemoglu and Robinson combine political economy, history, and case studies to build a persuasive theory of development that challenges conventional wisdom. Key Features & Themes

• Institutional Theory: Why inclusive political and economic systems drive prosperity.
• Historical Case Studies: From colonial Latin America to modern Africa and Asia.
• Power & Inequality: How elites shape institutions to preserve their dominance.
• Economic Development: Why growth without inclusive institutions is unsustainable.
• Global Relevance: Lessons for addressing poverty and inequality today.

Why Read It?

• Provides a groundbreaking framework for understanding global inequality.
• Offers compelling, real-world examples to illustrate abstract theories.
• Essential reading for students of economics, history, politics, and development.
• Inspires reflection on how nations can build fairer, more prosperous futures.

Why Nations Fail is an influential and thought-provoking book that redefines how we understand the roots of prosperity and poverty, making it indispensable for anyone interested in the fate of nations and the future of global development.