Why Nations Fail

Why Nations Fail is a book by Daron Acemoglu; James A. Robinson, published in 2012. This Waffle podcast explores the book across 10 episodes.

Why Nations Fail by Daron Acemoglu and James Robinson examines why some countries prosper while others remain poor. This series follows their argument that political power and economic institutions shape opportunity, innovation, and long-term development. Historical comparisons connect colonialism, England's institutional changes, resistance to progress, and the contrast between inclusive and extractive systems. Listeners explore how institutions reinforce themselves, why reforms fail, and what can open a path toward broader prosperity.

These episodes are AI-generated adaptations grounded in the book. Listen to the first episode here and continue the series in the Waffle app.