Abstract
The paper is an attempt to see whether Mancur Olson's Rise and Decline of Nations provides a theoretical and empirical basis for understanding the poor economic performance of the English-speaking nations in the postwar era. On both counts Olson's thesis is found wanting. Theoretically, it neglects the vital role of the state's coercive function in the achievement of collective goals. Empirically, it is confused and conflates the effects of economic convergence, wartime economic disruption and democratic participation. The `awfulness' of English-speaking performance is demonstrated to be largely an outcome of the first two of these factors and not the third.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
