Who is it for?
Anyone interested in developmental economics. Anyone interested in poverty. Anyone interested in getting a helicopter view of what has happened in the economies of Bolivia, Poland, Russia, China, India and Africa.
Who is it not for?
Footsoldiers, innovators or entrepreneurs looking for execution ideas that'll make a clear, verifiable and real difference in the lives of the poor. Wide-eyed arm chair philosophers looking for a magic bullet, an insightful idea that will make good conversation over coffee/beer.
What is it?
A planner's experience-laden fiscal plan on how much is needed to eradicate poverty and how to fund that investment. Peppered with anecdotes and events that affected economic transformations in countries we are interested in. Topped with exhortations and appeals to our moral, intellectual and human side. With a fair sprinkling of bashing of US war & tax policy.
What is it not?
An action plan to eradicate poverty. A repository of execution ideas that can be implemented by individuals, entrepreneurs or private enterprise.
Is it any good? Yes
Does it lay out the problem, spell out the investment needed to solve it and give ideas on how to finance it? Yes.
Does it delve into what to do with that investment? A little bit.
Does it give you a good understanding of development economics? Yes.
Does it make for an interesting read, was it educative? Yes, most certainly
Is this book the magic bullet that will eradicate poverty? Maybe not.
Does it talk about how to execute? No.
Does it go down to the trenches, dirty your hands and talk of real people. No.
Does it go down to the trenches, dirty your hands and talk of real people. No.
Overall, a good read. I might add to this review after I've read the 'White Man's Burden'.
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