Why Nations Fail: The Origin Of Power, Prosperity And Poverty

Why are some nations rich while others remain trapped in poverty? In Why Nations Fail: The Origins of Power, Prosperity, and Poverty, economists Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson deliver a sweeping, deeply researched, and provocative answer: it all comes down to institutions.

Rejecting the idea that geography, culture, or natural resources determine a country’s success, the authors argue that inclusive political and economic institutions—those that empower people, reward innovation, and limit elite control—create the conditions for lasting prosperity. In contrast, extractive institutions—where power is concentrated and innovation is stifled—lead to stagnation and collapse.