Plot Summary

Kicking Away the Ladder

Ha-Joon Chang

Kicking Away the Ladder

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2002

Book Brief

Ha-Joon Chang

Kicking Away the Ladder

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2002
Book Details
Pages

196

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Publication Year

2002

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Kicking Away the Ladder: Development Strategy in Historical Perspective, by Ha-Joon Chang, examines economic development strategies through history. The author argues that rich nations achieved their current status using protectionist policies but now advise poorer nations against them. The book advocates for policy space, allowing developing countries to adopt strategies suited to their unique circumstances.

Informative

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

4.2

1,691 ratings

84%

Loved it

13%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Kicking Away the Ladder: Development Strategy in Historical Perspective by Ha-Joon Chang is praised for its insightful critique of development policies, emphasizing historical analysis to challenge prevailing economic doctrines. Critics appreciate the compelling arguments but note a lack of concrete solutions. The book is valued for its depth, though some find it dense.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Kicking Away the Ladder?

A reader interested in the history of economic development and strategy would enjoy Kicking Away the Ladder: Development Strategy in Historical Perspective by Ha-Joon Chang. Comparable to Jared Diamond's Guns, Germs, and Steel or Daron Acemoglu and James Robinson's Why Nations Fail, it appeals to those curious about economic policy and historical patterns.

4.2

1,691 ratings

84%

Loved it

13%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

196

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Publication Year

2002

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Buy This Book

We’re just getting started

Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!