Why Nations Fail: The Origins of Power, Prosperity, and Poverty

Daron Acemoglu, an economist of Turkish-Armenian descent, was born in 1967 in Istanbul, Turkey. He currently holds the position of Elizabeth and James Killian Professor of Economics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Acemoglu’s academic experience extends over a diverse range of areas, including political economy, economic development, income and wage inequality, growth theory, and labor economics. His interest in the impact of institutions on global economic scenarios has been a defining feature of his work.

Acemoglu’s contributions to economics have earned him several accolades, the most prominent being the John Bates Clark Medal in 2005, awarded by the American Economic Association to economists under 40 who have influenced economic thought and knowledge. He is a prolific writer and scholar, having co-authored numerous influential papers and books.

His background, bridging Turkish and Armenian heritage, adds perspective to his analysis, enriching his understanding of how historical, geographical, and cultural elements interact with economic and political structures. Acemoglu’s work not only has contributed to academic discourse but also offers practical insights into the dynamics of global economic development.