Edward Elgar Publishing What Makes Poor Countries Poor?: Institutional Determinants of Development

Product Description This important book focuses on the idea that institutions matter for development, asking what lessons we have learned from past reform efforts, and what role lawyers can play in this field. What Makes Poor Countries Poor? provides a critical overview of different conceptions and theories of development, situating institutional theories within the larger academic debate on development. The book also discusses why, whether, and how institutions matter in different fields of development. In the domestic sphere, the authors answer these questions by analyzing institutional reforms in the public (rule of law, political regimes and bureaucracy) and the private sectors (contracts, property rights, and privatization). In the international sphere, they discuss the importance of institutions for trade, foreign direct investment, and foreign aid. This book will be essential reading for those interested in a concise introduction to the academic debates in this field, as well as for students, practitioners, and policymakers in law and development. Review ‘What Makes Poor Countries Poor? is an intelligent and helpful manual, which introduces the reader to the manifold literature of law and development. . . It is refreshing to read about prevailing social attitude, day-to-day interactions of the citizenry with the legal system, collective expectations with respect to public servants, or de jure and de facto differences. This book reflects deep understanding of the real issues that matter for development and should be of interest not only to students and scholars interested in the institutions -development link and to practitioners, but to all social scientists that enjoy broad and interdisciplinary views on relevant topics for development.’ -- Nadia Von jacobi, Journal of Human Development and Capabilities ‘A valuable book for those interested in current issues in development.’ -- J.E. Weaver, Choice ‘This book is a very good starting point of condensed information for lawyers and others involved in development of poor countries. It is an umbrella view of the situation and does a good job of giving a taster and overview of the matter.’ -- Sally Ramage, The Criminal Lawyer ‘Law and development is a difficult field. It is at once multi-disciplinary and comparative; historical and policy driven; theoretical and empirical; positive and normative. Here at long last is a book that provides a masterful overview and critical analysis that will make this field accessible to students and teachers alike.’ -- Katharina Pistor, Columbia Law School, US About the Author Michael J. Trebilcock, University Professor Emeritus and Mariana Mota Prado, Professor, Faculty of Law, University of Toronto, Canada