Dani Rodrik

This book explores how and why the United States pivoted to become the world's leading superpower, leading the postwar world. The author traces this transformation to the crucible of World War II, detailing the events that led key decision-makers to believe the US ought to achieve global primacy. Weaving together a sophisticated and impassioned narrative, the author questions the wisdom of US supremacy and explores the intellectual path that brought us to today's global entanglements and endless wars.

Explore the origins and evolution of the Western mind and its impact on the world in The WEIRDest People in the World. By delving into global psychological diversity, Harvard professor Joseph Henrich illuminates the cultural transformations that led to highly individualistic, nonconformist societies like ours. Drawing on research in anthropology, psychology, economics, and evolutionary biology, Henrich maps the shifts in family structures, marriage, and religion that laid the foundation for the modern world. This highly engaging and provocative investigation reveals the fascinating interplay between culture, institutions, and psychology that shapes human history.

Explore the political economy of collective action, inequality, and development in this insightful book. Discover how society can break free from stagnation and progress by reforming existing arrangements and evolving informal institutions. Learn about the crucial balancing act involving state capacity, political input, and limiting concentrated power. This book investigates the complexities of these issues, including collective-action problems and inequality. With a flexible framework and analytical foundation, it offers a valuable guide for scholars and researchers in economic development and political economy.

Explore the intricacies of evaluating incentives with this book that delves into the specific details that determine their efficacy. From the amount of incentives needed to attract a business to the effects on employment and tax revenues, the author breaks down the costs and benefits of these programs. With a focus on providing a model for understanding the effects of incentives, readers will gain a deep understanding of how to evaluate and design these policies.

"Ghost Work" by Mary L. Gray and Siddharth Suri is a revelatory expose on the invisible human workforce that powers the web. These "ghost workers" are responsible for making the internet appear smart by performing tasks like flagging X-rated content, proofreading, and designing engine parts. An estimated 8 percent of Americans have worked in this "ghost economy," and the number is growing. However, these workers are often paid less than legal minimum wages, have no benefits, and can be fired at any time. Gray and Suri explore how to ensure that this new kind of work creates opportunity rather than misery for those who do it.

This thought-provoking book by renowned economist Paul Collier diagnoses the failures of capitalism and presents a pragmatic, realistic vision for how we can repair it. Deep divisions in society, including those between rural and urban, educated and less educated, and wealthy and developing countries, have led to the rise of populism and socialism. Collier offers original and ethical solutions to heal these rifts, drawing on his personal experiences and insights from other social scientists. He shows us how to save capitalism and move beyond the intellectual baggage of the past century.

This book examines the crisis facing the American worker, with stagnant wages, surging welfare reliance and declining life expectancy. Oren Cass challenges conventional economic assumptions, arguing that prioritizing consumption over workers has led to the current situation. He offers new solutions, including a culture of respect for all kinds of work, and placing workers at the center of society's priorities. This book offers a groundbreaking re-evaluation of American society, economics, and public policy, revealing how to turn things around and support a thriving, self-sufficient society that offers opportunity to all.