Overview

Challenging the premise that geography is destiny, this book joins a growing body of literature studying the links between geography and development. Focusing on Latin America, the book argues that based on a better understanding of geography, public policy can help control or channel its influence toward the goals of economic and social development. The principal purpose of this book is to contribute to the renaissance in research on geography as a factor that influences, but does not necessarily determine, development.

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9780821354513

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""This is a fascinating and important book. Because it highlights what many of us wish were not true, it will surely provoke controversy and make some readers angry. No one wants to accept the immutable--whether genes or geography--as an explanation for outcomes (poverty, underdevelopment, etc.) they find disagreeable and want changed. For those who resist the diagnosis, my advice is to go first to the recommendations. These make clear that good policy can remedy geographic disadvantages (or even turn them into advantages). Is geography destiny then? Yes, if we refuse to pay attention to it. In other words, if you care about development, you should read this book."" Peter Hakim, Inter-American Dialogue, Washington, DC ""Gallup, Gaviria and Lora have succeeded in applying rigorous, original thinking to one of the most controversial debates on economic development. No one interested in the determinants and remedies of world poverty can afford to ignore the data and analysis offered in this book."" Moses Naim, Editor, Foreign Policy Magazine ""The authors provide a powerful demonstration of the profound impact of geographic factors on the long-term economic development of Latin America. The reader will come away from the book with a better understanding of that continent, as well as heightened appreciation of the importance of geography."" Kenneth L. Sokoloff, UCLA

This is a fascinating and important book. Because it highlights what many of us wish were not true, it will surely provoke controversy and make some readers angry. No one wants to accept the immutable--whether genes or geography--as an explanation for outcomes (poverty, underdevelopment, etc.) they find disagreeable and want changed. For those who resist the diagnosis, my advice is to go first to the recommendations. These make clear that good policy can remedy geographic disadvantages (or even turn them into advantages). Is geography destiny then? Yes, if we refuse to pay attention to it. In other words, if you care about development, you should read this book. Peter Hakim, Inter-American Dialogue, Washington, DC Gallup, Gaviria and Lora have succeeded in applying rigorous, original thinking to one of the most controversial debates on economic development. No one interested in the determinants and remedies of world poverty can afford to ignore the data and analysis offered in this book. Moses Naim, Editor, Foreign Policy Magazine The authors provide a powerful demonstration of the profound impact of geographic factors on the long-term economic development of Latin America. The reader will come away from the book with a better understanding of that continent, as well as heightened appreciation of the importance of geography. Kenneth L. Sokoloff, UCLA

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