How poor countries can ignite economic growth without waiting for global action or the creation of ideal local conditionsContrary to conventional wisdom, countries that ignite a process of rapid economic growth almost always do so while lacking what experts say are the essential preconditions...

Introduction: the art of engineering prosperity in unlikely places -- The tyranny of litanies -- Unpleasant truths about institutional and financial development -- The economics of chance: policy prescriptions as laundry lists -- The mechanics of failure and the secrets of success -- Ambitious...