Mixed Fortunes : An Economic History of China, Russia, and the West

The rise of the West is often attributed the presence of certain features in Western countries from the 16th century that were absent in more traditional societies: the abolition of serfdom and Protestant ethics, the protection of property rights, and free universities. The problem with this reasoning is that, before the 16th century, there were many countries with social structures that possessed these same features that didn't experience rapid productivity growth. This book offers a new interpretation of the 'Great Divergence' and 'Great Convergence' stories. It explores how Western countries grew rich and why parts of the developing world (South and East Asia and the Middle East) did not catch up with the West from 1500 to 1950 but began to narrow the gap after 1950. It also examines why others (Latin America, South Africa, and Russia) were more successful at catching up from 1500 to 1950, but then experienced a slowdown in economic growth compared to other developing countries. Mixed Fortunes offers a novel interpretation of the rise of the West and of the subsequent development of 'the rest' and China and Russia, important examples of two groups of developing countries, are examined in greater detail. The rise of the West is often attributed to the presence of certain features in Western countries from the 16th century onwards such as the abolition of serfdom and protestant ethics, the protection of property rights, and free universities; elements that were absent in more traditional societies. The problem with this reasoning is that, before the 16th century, there were many countries with social structures that possessed these same features that didn't experience rapid productivity growth. This book offers a new interpretation of the 'Great Divergence' and 'Great Convergence' stories. It explores how Western countries grew rich and why parts of the developing world (South and East Asia and Middle East) did not catch up during the period 1500-1950 but began to prosper after 1950, whereas others (Latin America, South Africa, and Russia) thrived from 1500 to 1950 but have experienced relative slowdown since 1950. Mixed Fortunes offers a novel interpretation of the rise of the West and of the subsequent development of 'the rest' and China and Russia, important examples of these two groups of developing countries, are examined in greater detail How the West became rich: stylized facts and literature review Why did the West become rich first? why are some developing countries catching up, but others are not? Chinese and Russian economies under central planning: they the difference in outcomes? Chinese and Russian economies since reforms: transformational recession in Russian and acceleration of growth in China Growth miracles and failures: lessons for developmental economics. This book offers a new interpretation of the 'Great Divergence' and 'Great Convergence' stories. It shows how Western countries grew rich and why parts of the developing world did or didn't catch up with the West during 1500-1950, with a focus China and Russia.