debates in economic history. The author examines the many controversies relating to the role of government in a modern economy …

European history. By contrast, China, India and the Islamic Middle East are regarded as inherently imperial and overcentralised …. However, these civilisations have not always been unified politically. In their history, there have been long spells of … -- 4. Lessons from the history of Imperial China -- 5. Advantages of centralized and decentralized rule in Japan -- 6 …