'Martin Paldam has for a long time made major contributions to help us understand the relationship between economic growth and political institutions. His uses a large number of data skillfully and in an extraordinary way; his focus always is on the questions and issues involved. It is most welcome that his immense knowledge is now presented in this book.' Bruno S. Frey, University of Basel

'This is a 'big think' book, examining the interrelationship of social, political and economic variables in countries' transition from low to high incomes. Paldam painstakingly identifies the best available data and with appropriate qualifications and concludes that the level of income was the major driver of these variables. This is an important contribution to our understanding of the relationship between key variables in the development process.' Anne O. Krueger, John Hopkins University

'This is a deep and important book on one of the biggest questions in political economy: what is the relationship between economic development and institutions? Paldam's central thesis is that economic development causes democratization and eliminates corruption in the long run. His arguments are persuasive, the result of years of thoughtful scholarship. The book is a must read for anyone who wants to understand the connection between development and institutions.' Toke Aidt, University of Cambridge