By Bertram I. Spector (ed.). The introductory chapter by Spector succinctly sets out the purpose and direction of the book.…
Browsing: Book Reviews
This book offers a comprehensive, research-driven analysis of the persistent economic underdevelopment in Africa, with Nigeria as a central case study. It argues that Nigeria’s failure to achieve sustained growth stems from weak social institutions, corrupt governance, and mismanagement of resources—issues common across the continent, though shaped by local contexts. The book contrasts these challenges with successful development strategies in Southeast Asia, emphasizing the importance of foundational institutions.
Early chapters trace Nigeria’s institutional decline since independence, highlighting systemic barriers to progress despite abundant natural and human resources. Later sections critique widely accepted growth models—especially the overreliance on foreign direct investment—as ineffective for nations lacking a solid economic base. Instead, the book advocates for development strategies grounded in proven, context-sensitive frameworks.
Intended for readers interested in global development, the book serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, practitioners, and organizations working to promote sustainable growth in Africa.
By Peter Maass. Reviewd by Steven Mufson. We tend to take for granted the comforts of modern life. Few…
Professor William Easterly, in his new book “The Tyranny of Experts,” makes compelling arguments on why economic development in…
By Peter S. Wenz. The solution to reducing unemployment? Inefficiency; according to philosophy professor Wenz’s (Take Back the Center) bold…
Joseph E. Stiglitz. Reviewed by Professor Thomas B. Edsall. Joseph E. Stiglitz’s new book, “The Price of Inequality,” is the…
By Mike Smith. Book Review. Boko Haram’s pledge of allegiance to Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant has seized…
Steven Stoft. The first systematic presentation of electricity market design-from the basics to the cutting edge. Unique in its breadth…
SARAH BRACKING. The financial crash of 2008 led people all over the world to ask how far financiers are in…
Paul Polak. Reviewed by Mathew Bransworth. For the past twenty-five years, two questions have kept my curiosity aroused: What makes…
Christoper L. Daniels. Reviewed By John Hoist. Christopher L. Daniels’s timely book on piracy and terrorism in the Horn of…