"A most interesting and informative work. The book contains excellent material and interesting analysis, and it will appeal to a broad audience."--Stanley Engerman, University of Rochester
"An ambitious book, "Capital and Collusion" identifies the institutional reasons for the divergent growth paths of major regions in the developing world. The topic is one that will interest a broad range of readers in both academic and policy circles."--David Stasavage, London School of Economics
"Root takes a very abstract notion like trust and provides a series of concrete demonstrations of how trust, or the lack of it, can affect economic performance and social welfare. He bases his arguments very skillfully on a variety of indicators that transform abstract concepts into observable phenomena and make his arguments come to life. This is a 'must read' in graduate and undergraduate courses that focus on institutions and development."--Lewis W. Snider, author of "Growth, Debt and Politics: Economic Adjustment and the Political Performance of Developing Countries"
"In this exciting book, Hilton Root calls into question some of the "sacred cows" of contemporary thought, knocking down some of the rigid boundaries that exist among the social sciences and among concepts like developed and developing countries. A very good read for all."--Elinor Ostrom, Indiana University, author of "Understanding Institutional Diversity"
""Capital and Collusion" is a breathtaking tour de force that adds significantly to the growing literature on the political economy of development and of state failure. Hilton Root has tackled the most important question facing policymakers, leaders of international financialinstitutions, and students of the political economy of development: how can the incentives of leaders be changed to promote risk taking and entrepreneurship, diminish uncertainty and self-insurance, and stimulate economic growth when they benefit personally from sustained nation
