The Handbook of Economic Development and Institutions - by Jean-Marie Baland & François Bourguignon & Jean-Philippe Platteau & Thierry Verdier

About the Book

"The essential role institutions play in understanding economic development has long been recognised and has been closely studied across the social sciences but some of the most high profile work has been done by economists many of whom are included in this collection covering a wide range of topics including the relationship between institutions and growth, educational systems, the role of the media and the intersection between traditional systems of patronage and political institutions. Each chapter covers the frontier research in its area and points to new areas of research and is the product of extensive workshopping and editing. The editors have also written an excellent introduction which brings together the key themes of the handbook. The list of contributors is stellar (Steven Durlauf, Throsten Beck, Bob Allen,and includes a diverse mix of Western and non Western, male and female scholars)"

Book Synopsis

The definitive reference on the most current economics of development and institutions

The essential role that institutions play in understanding economic development has long been recognized across the social sciences, including in economics. Academic and policy interest in this subject has never been higher. The Handbook of Economic Development and Institutions is the first to bring together in one single volume the most cutting-edge work in this area by the best-known international economists. The volume's editors, themselves leading scholars in the discipline, provide a comprehensive introduction, and the stellar contributors offer up-to-date analysis into institutional change and its interactions with the dynamics of economic development.

This book focuses on three critical issues: the definitions of institutions in order to argue for a causal link to development, the complex interplay between formal and informal institutions, and the evolution and coevolution of institutions and their interactions with the political economy of development. Topics examined include the relationship between institutions and growth, educational systems, the role of the media, and the intersection between traditional systems of patronage and political institutions. Each chapter--covering the frontier research in its area and pointing to new areas of research--is the product of extensive workshopping on the part of the contributors.

The definitive reference work on this topic, The Handbook of Economic Development and Institutions will be essential for academics, researchers, and professionals working in the field.

Review Quotes

"This book summarizes recent research in what is currently one of the most exciting areas in development economics, and indeed, in economics more generally. The stellar collection of contributors and lead editors guarantees that this volume will have an impact. There is no comparable book in the field."--Sanjay Jain, University of Oxford

"This book brings together a cohesive and well-chosen set of high-quality essays on every possible subtopic under the general rubric of institutions and development. It offers readers the most significant material on this important subject all in one volume."--Ashok Kotwal, University of British Columbia

About the Author

Jean-Marie Baland is professor of economics at the University of Namur. He is the coeditor of Inequality, Cooperation, and Environmental Sustainability (Princeton). François Bourguignon is emeritus professor of economics at the Paris School of Economics, where he was previously director. He is the author of The Globalization of Inequality (Princeton). Jean-Philippe Platteau is professor emeritus of economics at the University of Namur. He is the author of Islam Instrumentalized. Thierry Verdier is professor of economics at the Paris School of Economics, École des Ponts ParisTech, and Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro. He is the coeditor of The Organization of Firms in a Global Economy.