The goal of this paper is to offer a non-technical interpretation of the “Great Divergence” and “Great Convergence” stories. After reviewing existing explanations in the literature, I offer a different interpretation. Western countries exited the Malthusian trap by destroying traditional...

A compelling new study from Nobel laureate Robert Fogel, examining health, nutrition and technology over the last three centuries and beyond. It will be essential reading for all those interested in economics, demography, history and health care policy

When the Third World fell behind -- The first global century up to 1913 -- Biggest Third World terms of trade boom ever? -- The economics of Third World growth engines and dutch diseases -- Measuring third world de-industrialization and Dutch disease -- An Asian de-industrialization illustration...