Poverty is a wicked problem faced by a large portion of the global population. There are many organisations and individuals at all levels attempting to address poverty in one way or another. Paul Collier is a professor in economics and has provided an academic analysis of poverty in his book, “The Bottom Billion: Why the Poorest Countries Are Failing and What Can Be Done About It”.
By assessing both economic and sociopolitical factors, Collier has narrowed down four main reasons for poverty, including bad governance, landlocked with bad neighbors, the natural resource trap and the conflict trap. Through numerous cases studies and statistical research, the author delved into how these issues create a cycle of poverty. In addition to this, the book provided solutions and how they can be effectively implemented.
Collier analysed several solutions and narrowed them down to aid, security, laws and charters, and trade. Many of these were assessed on a macro level, which in theory would solve many of the causal factors of poverty. The book highlighted how these solutions can be used in both a positive and even a counterproductive manner. I was curious to learn how aid can also disadvantage developing countries by stunting domestic growth. Conversely, military intervention may seem counterintuitive, but it can also prevent other factors from furthering poverty. Collier’s examples explain these phenomena in greater detail.
“The societies of the bottom billion can only be rescued from within”. This statement resonated with me as it encapsulates that despite external changes in any form, change needs to happen internally for meaningful progress to occur. It’s fascinating to learn about the range of issues affecting poverty in any given country, and how one significant change can lift a country out of a perpetual poverty trap. While Collier has identified four key causes, I believe there many smaller issues that have just as much influence.
This book was heavily academic, drawing on research based on collected data and drawing conclusions from statistics. At a high level I believe that change can be made with the analysis in the “The Bottom Billion”, but the complexity of this wicked problem also needs to address other interrelated factors such as societal mindsets to achieve this. I encourage readers to explore this book for another perspective on understanding poverty.
Are you interested in learning more by reading this book?
Books for Thought 