Beyond the Miracle of the Market

The book examines the transition from socialism to capitalism in Eastern Europe and its effects on developing nations, specifically focusing on Kenya's unique economic trajectory. Robert Bates critiques neo-classical development economics, attributing Kenya's initial growth to its strong economic institutions. However, he argues that the shift from the Kenyatta to the Moi regime led to a decline, as economic institutions were repurposed for wealth redistribution rather than wealth creation, ultimately impacting the country's economic stability.