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Andrei Shleifer / Harvard University Press / 1998年09月02日
"The Grabbing Hand: Government Pathologies and Their Cures" by Andrei Shleifer delves into the often-problematic role of public sector institutions in economic development. Shleifer argues that in numerous countries, these institutions impose significant burdens on economic growth and societal well-being through various forms of rent-seeking and corruption. By analyzing a range of case studies, he illustrates how government interventions can hinder rather than promote economic prosperity. The book also offers potential solutions to address these pathologies, emphasizing the importance of institutional reform and good governance in fostering a more vibrant and inclusive economy.
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Book Summary
Chapter Summaries with Key Points
Chapter 1: The Nature of Government
Key Points:
Government serves multiple roles, including providing public goods and ensuring social stability.
There is a tradeoff between government control and economic freedom.
The state's role as a "grabbing hand" can lead to inefficiencies, corruption, and rent-seeking behavior.
Chapter 2: Pathologies of Government
Subsection: Rent Seeking
**Key Point:** Politicians and bureaucrats may engage in rent seeking to increase their personal benefits.
Subsection: Political Capture
**Key Point:** Interest groups can capture political processes to further their own agenda.
Subsection: Bureaucratic Inertia
**Key Point:** Bureaucracies may resist change, leading to sclerosis and inefficiency.
Chapter 3: The Costs of Pathologies
Key Points:
Government inefficiencies can lead to economic distortions and loss of competitiveness.
Social trust may erode, affecting long-term economic growth.
Corruption undermines the rule of law and discourages investment.
Chapter 4: Causes of Pathologies
Subsection: Lack of Accountability
**Key Point:** Weak accountability mechanisms allow poor governance practices to persist.
Subsection: Informational Asymmetries
**Key Point:** Disparities in information can lead to adverse selection and moral hazard.
Subsection: Political Instability
**Key Point:** Political instability can disrupt policy-making and cause institutional decay.
Chapter 5: Cures for Pathologies
Subsection: Institutional Reforms
**Key Point:** Strengthening institutions can enhance transparency and accountability.
Subsection: Democratic Accountability
**Key Point:** Democracies with strong checks and balances can better control rent-seeking behavior.
Subsection: Economic Liberalization
**Key Point:** Economic liberalization can reduce bureaucratic discretion and improve efficiency.
Chapter 6: Conclusion
Key Points:
Addressing government pathologies is crucial for promoting economic development and social welfare.
A combination of institutional reforms, democratic accountability, and economic liberalization is necessary for successful cure.
The challenge for reformers is to balance short-term needs with long-term goals without succumbing to rent-seeking pressures.
