PARTICIPATION: In a democracy, everyone has political rights and a market economy, there are no privileges. Winners and losers in the political and economic fields have been announced not long; Change is possible. This change is possible, the state of property rights, competition, education, security and infrastructure needs to provide.
EXPLOITATION: Here the state only serves to help the ruling elite to prosperity. Therefore, the economic area is characterized by corruption, privileges and monopolies. Change is possible only through a (violent) revolution. But the good is usually only a few, because usually only the exploiters is replaced.
Why is there then states that keep their population in poverty? Because this serves the ruling elites.
Earlier explanations of poverty and wealth of nations (geography, weather, natural resources, culture) are no longer, at least in the modern world. Today the policy determines how the economy works. It often existing conditions (eg. B. colonial) are simply adopted, making poverty endemic.
Positive examples are the western industrialized countries; negative examples can be found in Africa and Latin America. Exploitative systems can bring economic growth in the short term; long term only market economies are successful. Development aid helps only the ruling elites and does not improve the overall living standards.
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I liked the book partly good.
There are many historical examples, drawings and pictures. It is clear that the history plays an important role and that slavery and colonialism had a negative impact on Africa and Asia. However, the methodology is also the problem, because the argument is based on just these anecdotes and scientific justification is not provided (you referenced studies).
Moreover, the whole thing is not new. Even Adam Smith has pointed out that means a good state just law and order, good money and low taxes. The Austrian school of economics has always emphasized the importance of the international division of labor. This had long been clear that monopolies. Corruption, socialism and protectionism poverty mean.
The negative aspects of democracy (tyranny of the majority) and the political centralization are neglected.
But the book is a good introduction to the topic.
