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Is development uniquely modern? Ancient Athens on the doorstep

Author

Listed:
  • Federica Carugati

    (Stanford University)

  • Josiah Ober

    (Stanford University)

  • Barry R. Weingast

    (Stanford University)

Abstract

By offering out-of-sample observations, pre-modern case studies can provide unique insights into the process of economic development. We focus on the case of ancient Athens in the 5th and 4th centuries BCE. During that time, Athens moved beyond the logic of rent-seeking and rent-creation that grips natural states, displaying many features of development present in the modern world. Athenian development rested on a set of institutions different from those prevalent in the modern world: in particular, Athens lacked liberal democratic institutions and strong central governments with high state capacity. The findings yield a twofold conclusion: first, modern theories centered on the recent experience of contemporary nation-states impose too narrow a frame on the phenomenon of development. Second, by analyzing in depth one case study, we reconstruct a different path toward development.

Suggested Citation

  • Federica Carugati & Josiah Ober & Barry R. Weingast, 2019. "Is development uniquely modern? Ancient Athens on the doorstep," Public Choice, Springer, vol. 181(1), pages 29-47, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:pubcho:v:181:y:2019:i:1:d:10.1007_s11127-018-00632-w
    DOI: 10.1007/s11127-018-00632-w
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    Cited by:

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    2. Emmanouil M. L. Economou & Nikolaos A. Kyriazis & Nicholas C. Kyriazis, 2021. "Managing Financial Risks while Performing International Commercial Transactions. Intertemporal Lessons from Athens in Classical Times," JRFM, MDPI, vol. 14(11), pages 1-14, October.
    3. Harris,Colin & Cai,Meina & Murtazashvili,Ilia & Murtazashvili,Jennifer Brick, 2020. "The Origins and Consequences of Property Rights," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9781108969055.
    4. Hartley, Tilman & Kallis, Giorgos, 2021. "Interest-bearing loans and unpayable debts in slow-growing economies: Insights from ten historical cases," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 188(C).
    5. Matthew D. Mitchell, 2019. "Rent seeking at 52: an introduction to a special issue of public choice," Public Choice, Springer, vol. 181(1), pages 1-4, October.
    6. Mario Menegatti, 2021. "Risk aversion in two-period rent-seeking games," Public Choice, Springer, vol. 188(1), pages 269-287, July.

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