Rulers, Religion, and Riches: Why the West Got Rich and the Middle East Did Not (Cambridge Studies in Economics, Choice, and Society)
Cambridge University Press, 2/16/2017
EAN 9781107036819, ISBN10: 110703681X
Hardcover, 288 pages, 22.9 x 15.2 x 2.1 cm
Language: English
Originally published in English
For centuries following the spread of Islam, the Middle East was far ahead of Europe. Yet, the modern economy was born in Europe. Why was it not born in the Middle East? In this book Jared Rubin examines the role that Islam played in this reversal of fortunes. It argues that the religion itself is not to blame; the importance of religious legitimacy in Middle Eastern politics was the primary culprit. Muslim religious authorities were given an important seat at the political bargaining table, which they used to block important advancements such as the printing press and lending at interest. In Europe, however, the Church played a weaker role in legitimizing rule, especially where Protestantism spread (indeed, the Reformation was successful due to the spread of printing, which was blocked in the Middle East). It was precisely in those Protestant nations, especially England and the Dutch Republic, where the modern economy was born.
1. Introduction
Part I. Propagation of Rule
A Theory of Economic Success and Stagnation
2. The propagation rule
3. Historical origins of rule propagation
Part II. Applying the Theory
Why the West Got Rich and the Middle East Did Not
4. Bans on taking interest
5. Restrictions on the printing press
6. Printing and the Reformation
7. Success
England and the Dutch Republic
8. Stagnation
Spain and the Ottoman Empire
9. Conclusion.