Most countries in the world have been independent for about 50 years. Some are peaceful and have prospered, while some remain poor, war-torn, or both. What explains why some countries have succeeded while others remain poor, violent, and unequal? There are no formal prerequisities for this class, but non-Harris students should have a background in economics, statistics, and basic game theory. This class to is designed to be a complement to the Why Nations Fail class. Thus students can receive credit for
both. Students are slightly discouraged from taking both classes unless international development and conflict is their specialty.