The Narrow Corridor

by Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson
The Narrow Corridor cover
Good Books rating 4.23
Politics and Current Affairs
Technical
  • ID: 2981
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9780241981726
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2019-09-26
  • Reviews: 3

The Narrow Corridor by Daron Acemoglu and Jim Robinson delves into the intricate dynamics that shape the balance between state power and societal freedom. This thought-provoking work challenges the Western myth of enlightenment leading to a steady state of liberty, instead presenting a framework where liberty emerges from a constant struggle between elites and citizens. The authors use compelling historical and contemporary examples to illustrate how this balance affects the peacefulness of societies, economic success, and daily life. Through a unique diagram and extensive research, the book provides a big-picture view of how states develop, explaining why some nations provide liberty while others succumb to despotism or anarchy. It offers insights into the past, present, and future of governance, emphasizing the importance of vigilance in maintaining this delicate equilibrium.

Reviews
American Economic Association · A Dixit · 2021-01-01
insightful 4.00

The book offers a broad historical perspective but leaves many questions unanswered. The conceptual framework is impressive but could be more detailed.

The reviewer praises the book's ambitious scope and the wealth of historical examples provided. They appreciate the conceptual categories introduced by the authors but feel that the book could delve deeper into these concepts. The reviewer suggests that while the book is thought-provoking, it leaves many important questions open-ended. Overall, they find the book to be a significant contribution to the understanding of the balance between state and society, but they believe it could benefit from more detailed analysis.

Quick quotes

    The book has a huge theme and an impressive historical sweep of supportive examples, but leaves many open questions.

    The two conceptual categories are insightful but could be further developed.

    The book is a significant contribution to the understanding of the balance between state and society.

Anthony Skews Politics · 2020-04-08
compelling 4.50

The book's central thesis is compelling, focusing on the balance of power between state and society. The analysis is thorough and well-supported.

The reviewer finds the central thesis of the book to be compelling and well-articulated. They appreciate the thorough analysis and the way the authors support their arguments with historical examples. The reviewer believes that the book provides valuable insights into the dynamics between state and society, making it a must-read for anyone interested in political science and economics. They particularly like how the book highlights the delicate balance required for long-term success and the potential pitfalls that can arise from an imbalance of power.

Quick quotes

    Acemoglu & Robinson's central thesis is that the long-run success of states depends on the balance of power between the 'state' and 'society'.

    The book provides valuable insights into the dynamics between state and society.

    The analysis is thorough and well-supported by historical examples.

Financial Times · 2019-09-26
nuanced 4.20

The book explores the delicate balance between despotism and anarchy. It offers a nuanced perspective on how to achieve and maintain liberty.

The reviewer appreciates the book's exploration of the fine line between despotism and anarchy. They find the authors' perspective on achieving and maintaining liberty to be nuanced and thought-provoking. The reviewer believes that the book provides a valuable framework for understanding the complexities of state-society relations. They particularly like how the book highlights the importance of balancing protections with freedoms, making it a relevant and timely read.

Quick quotes

    The Narrow Corridor — the fine line between despotism and anarchy.

    Daron Acemoglu and James A Robinson ask: how do we balance protections with freedoms?

    The book provides a valuable framework for understanding the complexities of state-society relations.

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