Episode 5. Weak, Despotic, or Inclusive? How States Emerge from Elite vs. Society Battles

Ever wondered why some states become strong democracies, others oppressive regimes, or remain weak and fragmented? In this episode, we explore Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson's influential paper, "Weak, Despotic, or Inclusive? How State Type Emerges from State versus Civil Society Competition," unpacking the ongoing struggle between elites and society in shaping state capacity.

We clarify complex academic insights, discussing how the balance of power determines whether a state becomes despotic, weak, or inclusive. What factors tip the scales toward democracy or dictatorship?

📖 Citation: Acemoglu, Daron, and James A. Robinson. 2023. "Weak, Despotic, or Inclusive? How State Type Emerges from State versus Civil Society Competition." American Political Science Review 117(2): 407–420. [doi:10.1017/S0003055422000740]

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