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“Deep experience and insight, busts a number of myths about poverty”
mikeneri wrote this review Thursday, November 26 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
0 of 65535 members found this review helpful“Adam Smith summed up the secret to economic growth" Little else is requisite to carry a state to the highest degree of opulence from the lowest barbarism but peace, easy taxes and a tolerable administration of justice: all of the rest being brought about by the natural course of event". Two of four traps described by Collier reflect that view: the conflict trap and the trap of bad governance in a small country. I would argue that one of the other trap "the resource trap" is just a subset of the bad governance trap. And the final trap of small landlocked country is just bad luck of history.”
MOF wrote this review Sunday, October 7 2007. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“So far, I find is a dry rendition of incredibly important information. I think the subkect matter is fascinating and absorbing, but the writing itself is a bit tedious. Still, I think it'll be worth it in the end.”
Dana L wrote this review Wednesday, November 4 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“This is a book on the economics of bringing the bottom billion out of where they are now. The author presents the causes of poverty in the developing nations, and provides good, concrete proposals that governments and organizations may take to solve this problem. The author went through great lengths to backup his theories with empirical data - a great feat in a field where hypotheses abound, but few are really supported by hard facts.
Ryles C wrote this review Friday, September 11 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
However, I bought this book in a hope that I would find something an individual could do. In the end, I am left with the feeling that I can't really do much - other than make smart choices during elections, and consider the economic ramifications of the NGOs that we donate to. I especially appreciated the discussions on how NGOs operate and how some "moral" choices actually makes the situation worse. I know I should not belittle the act of voting and donating, but I had hoped there was something more significant I could do (without switching careers, I mean; or putting my life in jeopardy).
In any case, the solutions provided and the steps already being made in those directions (as discussed in the afterword) are heartening, and makes you feel that there is hope. As much as I wish politicians will learn something from the author's research, I know politics and personal ambitions will always get in the way. But that's human nature for you. Well, as the author said, it's not going to be easy, but it's better than feeling that the situation of the bottom billion is hopeless.”
“very interesting perspective on how to think (and therefore act) better about 1/6th of humanity who are stuck in no or negative economic growth traps. Collier definitely offends the "solutions" of both the right and the left by suggesting a new way forward based on considerable research. I withheld the fifth star because his solution of getting the G7 to take the leadership on implementing his ideas is totally impractical.”
sleepless wrote this review Friday, April 18 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“Probably the most important book on issues such as the resource curse to have been written in the last ten years. Collier writes well on a tough topic and, although his prescriptions may not be universally agreed, the subjects need to be grasped and acted on.
Jakdaw wrote this review Sunday, March 30 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
The resources of the countries where the bottom billion live are substantial - the problem is that most of that wealth is squandered and much of it leaves the country of source in the hands of cliques- the country does not benefit from it. We should be learning from the problems of the past, not repeating them. Read this book - its subject does affect us all.”
“Although much of the discussion focused on the really poor nations, Collier offered prescriptions to states that may not be in the Bottom Billion but are still struggling to develop.”
rvaph wrote this review Thursday, February 28 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“You probably know I'm very interested in microenterprise -- and this is an insightful view of the big picture issues that Collier advances as preventing countries from getting out of extreme poverty. Has me thinking about the interaction of his poverty barriers and microenterprise programs. It's short and quite readable in spite of the serious questions he's dealing with.”
Debbie H wrote this review Wednesday, October 31 2007. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
