Paul Collier

The Bottom Billion

1. IDEA 1

   A billion people are left behind

   Collier argues that while much of the developing world is growing, a group of countries home to about a billion people is stuck or falling behind. These countries need special attention, because they face problems others have escaped.

2. IDEA 2

   Conflict traps nations in poverty

   Civil wars destroy economies and make future conflicts more likely. Collier calls this the conflict trap and shows how poverty and violence feed each other. Each war raises the risk of another.

3. IDEA 3

   Natural resources can be a curse

   Oil, minerals and other resources can bring wealth but also corruption and conflict. Collier explains how resource riches can weaken governments and harm other industries. Easy money can discourage good government.

All 8 ideas from The Bottom Billion →