A Euro-centric Outlook

Paper Summary:

This paper looks at David Landes' thesis about the causes of the current highly divergent economic destinies of the world's nations, in his work, "The Wealth and Poverty of Nations: Why Are Some So Rich and Others So Poor". The paper discusses Landes' contention that Europe and other dominant Western societies have prospered because of Western values. The paper summarizes Landes' main arguments, but is of the opinion that although Landes' book is interesting, original and very well written, his arguments are not on the whole convincing. The paper demonstrates how the book is too Europe-biased and downgrades the role of Asian industrial growth.

Outline:
Introduction
The Wealth and Poverty of Nations: Summary and Review
Further Analysis
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"A person who has studied the history of the global economy ought to be able to express his educated opinions. However, does this person's very learnedness mean we have to agree with these opinions? David S. Landes, Emeritus Professor of Economics and former Coolidge Professor of History at Harvard University, is no stranger amongst academic circles. His reputation and reach has even spread further than those interested in economic development, perhaps because of the author's highly controversial opinions. In his book "The Wealth and Poverty of Nations: Why Are Some So Rich and Others So Poor" Landes looks at the potential causes for the current highly divergent economic destinies of the world's nations. In other words, he asks why is it that some nations have flourished while others have floundered? Is it really owing to the geological disparity attributed by many economists and historians?"

Sample of Sources Used:

• The Wealth and Poverty of Nations: Why Are Some So Rich and Others So Poor. New York: W.W. Norton & Co., 1998.

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