Response Paper on (Why Nations fail?) Acemoglu & Robinson and other Readings

Response Paper on (Why Nations Fail?) Acemoglu & Robinson and other Readings

This assignment asks you to reflect on the arguments in the A&R reading (as well as the other readings attached to this order). Please pick ONE of the questions below to write a 3 – 4 pages reflection piece on the arguments, issues and ideas contained in the question. You may discuss any aspect of the statement/question. Your discussion should address its specific and broader meaning, place it in context and, if pertinent in your view, tie it to larger points or arguments that Acemoglu & Robinson make. The questions below cover Chapters 1 to 9 in the Acemoglu & Robinson and all the readings attached to this order.

Guidelines: Papers should be 3 – 4 pages, double-space, 1-inch margins. Use footnotes to cite your sources. No outside reading is required.

Questions/Passages: Pick ONLY 1 to write your reflection paper from the bellow questions:

1. In chapters 8 and 9, Acemoglu & Robinson argue that extractive institutions are not the only reasons (causes) for countries to become poor and economically underdeveloped. They argue that poverty and underdevelopment is sometimes “imposed” and forced on countries. What do they mean by this? What are some examples?

2. The lectures on import substitution industrialization and the export-oriented growth model of East Asian countries involved a lot of infant industry protection and anti-free trade policies. To what extent were these kinds of policies adopted by the United Kingdom during the Industrial Revolution?

3. Both Spain and the United Kingdom had “parliaments.” The British Parliament eventually was effective in curbing the monarchy’s absolute power, thus paving the way for inclusive institutions. Why was the Spanish Cortes less successful?

4. Even as the Industrial Revolution was spreading, some countries like Russia and the Habsburg Empire actively and deliberately prevented the development of industry and technological innovation in their country. Why?

Please, choose on of the above questions that you feel is the best for you to write the response paper, and let me know if you have any questions or concerns, or if you want me to make anything clear.