In spite of its playful title and easy-on-readers subtitle, economist Pintos brief book is a sophisticated, engaging odyssey on economic growth and development. Laden with equations, figures, tables, boxes, annexes (appendixes), notes, and 20 pages of references and index, the book is an authoritative complement to more abstract, theoretical treatments of economic growth.
A. R. Sanderson, University of Chicago, ... Read moreWestern Michigan University, CHOICE
Reading Brian Pintos book,How Does My Country Grow? Economic Advice through Storytelling, is refreshing.
Shantayanan Devarajan, Economic and Political Weekly
Brian Pinto's fascinating book starts in Poland at the outset of its transition, and then continues to Russia before its 1998 financial crisis, before bringing us to India ten years after its sweeping reforms were implemented, and finally to Kenya during its improving economic performance prior to the 2007 elections. Through these countries' stories, the book revisits the recent history of developing and emerging market economies and points to the essential elements of a pragmatic growth policy package for developing countries. I strongly recommend this insightful book to researchers and policy makers interested in growth and development.
Philippe Aghion, Robert C. Waggoner Professor of Economics, Harvard University
This is a special and rare book, which builds on Brian Pinto's deep experience. It shows how one uses theory, country knowledge, and practice, to analyze the world and make policy recommendations. It is a pleasure to read; the style is relaxed and clear, and the boxes are good.
Olivier Blanchard, Economic Counsellor and Director of the Research Department, IMF
Brian Pinto brings a unique combination of passion, personality, knowledge of the latest economics research, and good common sense to his vibrant discussion of the interaction between sovereign debt and economic growth. He draws on personal experience from his work at the World Bank on Kenya, Poland, India and Russia to formulate broader policy lessons about critical issues that arise repeatedly in emerging market countries. The exposition is refreshing and insightful, and it makes the practical implications of economic research come to life.
Gene Grossman, Jacob Viner Professor of International Economics, Princeton University
Brian Pinto is that rare economist who is abreast of theoretical research on economic growth and has also participated in policy design and implementation during crucial periods in several countries. This account of his experiences from his long career with the World Bank will be of interest to everyone who thinks about economic growth.
Robert E. Lucas, Jr., The John Dewey Distinguished Service Professor in Economics, University of Chicago, 1995 Nobel Prize in Economics
Brian Pinto brings country economic policy to life and shows what it means to practise it. The stories in his insightful book resonate very strongly with me as a practitioner on the ground. His analysis of the linkages between growth and sovereign debt is spot-on. Brian was one of the best economists I worked with at the World Bank
and this book is a fun read too!
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Nigeria, and former Managing Director, The World Bank
Pinto argues that 'country economics' is in effect a separate branch of economics. Economic theory and the 'conventional wisdom' offer only starting points. He succeeds admirably in offering insights about what drives the growth experiences of developing countries, and points out the perils of conclusions drawn hastily from afar. Understanding the linkages between a country's sovereign debt dynamics and its microfoundations of growth is the core of his investigation.
Robert J. Shiller, Arthur M. Okun Professor of Economics, Yale University, 2013 Nobel Prize in Economics
this is an engaging, well-written volume not to be missed.
A. R. Sanderson, University of Chicago
anybody with more than a passing interest in development will find it absorbing and learn a lot.
Clive Crook, Bloomberg
important contribution to the understanding of economic development
Richard N. Cooper, Foreign Affairs
Show Less