We develop a dynamic discrete choice model of a self-interested and unchecked ruler making decisions regarding the development of a resource rich country. Resource wealth serves as collateral and facilitates the acquisition of loans. The ruler makes the recursive choice of either staying in...

How much further will the global population expand, can all these extra mouths be fed, and what is the role in this story of economic growth? We study the interactions between global population, technological progress, per-capita income, demand for food and agricultural land expansion from 1960...