The narrative of development economics is now infused with discussions of institutions. Economists debate whether institutionsor other factors altogether (geography, culture, or religion)are central to development. In this volume, leading scholars in development economics view institutions from...

Economists disagree on what ails the economies of continental western Europe, which are widely perceived to be underperforming in terms of productivity and other metrics. Is it some deficiency in their economic systemin economic institutions or cultural attitudes? Is it some effect of their...