This book investigates the persistent and widening disparities in economic growth rates across nations, seeking to explain the underlying causes and contributing factors. The authors, distinguished economists with extensive experience in international development and policy, draw upon a wealth of empirical data, historical case studies, and theoretical frameworks to present their analysis. Their central argument posits that a complex interplay of institutional quality, policy choices, global economic integration, and historical legacies shapes divergent economic trajectories.

This work is recognized as a significant contribution to the literature on economic development and divergence. It is noted for its rigorous empirical analysis and its comprehensive approach to understanding the multifaceted drivers of economic performance. The book is likely to be of interest to academics, policymakers, and students specializing in international economics and development studies.