E15 — Nations, Institutions, and the Path to Prosperity

In this concluding episode of Why Nations Fail — A Deep Dive into Acemoglu & Robinson’s Theory, we synthesize the core argument of the book: inclusive institutions—those that distribute power broadly and allow individuals to participate in economic and political life—are the cornerstone of sustained national prosperity.

Rejecting explanations based on geography, culture, or ignorance, the authors argue that development is shaped by historical events, institutional drift, and critical junctures.

They caution against reliance on authoritarian models or foreign aid as long-term solutions, emphasizing that real progress comes only when broad segments of society are empowered to demand and sustain inclusive institutions. The episode ends with the example of Brazil, where such empowerment has fueled institutional and economic transformation.