Journal of Economic Literature
ISSN 0022-0515 (Print) | ISSN 2328-8175 (Online)
A Review of William Easterly's The Tyranny of Experts: Economists, Dictators, and the Forgotten Rights of the Poor
Journal of Economic Literature
(pp. 92–101)
(Complimentary)
Abstract
William Easterly marshals yet another brilliant critique of established development policies, with a focus on the experts' excessive focus on state-led policies and goals (a la Myrdal) and ignorance of bottom-up solutions, including technology and individual rights (a la Hayek). It suggests a world where success occurs in spite of nation-states. Yet not all bottom-up leads to success, and the worst disasters, as in civil violence, occur where states fail. Easterly highlights the important links between success and individual freedom and opportunity. He fails to note that myriad impoverished individuals cannot exercise these freedoms due to low expectations or compromised rights. ( JEL A11, D82, E61, I23, O10, O40)Citation
Graham, Carol. 2015. "A Review of William Easterly's The Tyranny of Experts: Economists, Dictators, and the Forgotten Rights of the Poor." Journal of Economic Literature 53 (1): 92–101. DOI: 10.1257/jel.53.1.92Additional Materials
JEL Classification
- A11 Role of Economics; Role of Economists; Market for Economists
- D82 Asymmetric and Private Information; Mechanism Design
- E61 Policy Objectives; Policy Designs and Consistency; Policy Coordination
- I23 Higher Education; Research Institutions
- O10 Economic Development: General
- O40 Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity: General