Julien Harneis / flickr.com/julien_harneis
If richer states provide security, the poorest can finally grow.
The world's poorest countries have diverged from the rest of mankind. They will never tap their vast reservoir of frustrated human potential unless the international community provides basic public goods that go beyond the typical aid agenda.
If third parties play a more decisive role, there is some hope.
Collier wants to de facto recolonize the bottom billion.
Instead of imposing policies, reward states that invest in well-being and institutions.
The premise that the poorest countries cannot grow ignores a decade of modest successes.
Strategies that might work in one state should not be applied generally to the bottom billion.
Consider other interventions, less exciting but better grounded in experience and evidence.
My hope is to open discussion on an issue that has been too uncomfortable to face.

BR Footnote:
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