In The Tyranny of Experts, renowned economist William Easterly examines our failing efforts to fight global poverty, and argues that the “expert approved” top-down approach to development has not only made little lasting progress, but has proven a convenient rationale for decades of human rights violations perpetrated by colonialists, postcolonial dictators, and US and UK foreign policymakers seeking autocratic allies. Demonstrating how our traditional antipoverty tactics have both trampled the freedom of the world’s poor and suppressed a vital debate about alternative approaches to solving poverty, Easterly presents a devastating critique of the blighted record of authoritarian development. In this masterful work, Easterly reveals the fundamental errors inherent in our traditional approach and offers new principles for Western agencies and developing countries alike: principles that, because they are predicated on respect for the rights of poor people, have the power to end global poverty once and for all.

“A provocative book that will rile the development world…. A timely blast against the complacency of those who think progress and prosperity can be detached from politics.“―Guardian (UK)

“Easterly’s message is simple: Before you offer a helping hand, look hard at the core beliefs that brought you good fortune.“―Washington Post

“There is something indomitable about William Easterly, and he has struck the development establishment where it is weakest: its appalling human rights record.“―Los Angeles Times Book Review

“Easterly is one of the most consistently interesting and provocative thinkers on development.“―Bloomberg View

“Thought provoking.“―Economist

“This powerful polemic against top-down aid projects convinces.“―Times of London (UK) 

“A passionate, if fitful, argument against the conventional approach to economic development.“―Washington Post

“Easterly has written a book that grabs a reader’s attention from the first sentence…. Highly recommended.“―Choice

Category: Aid and Global Poverty

Subjects: aid, global poverty