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1:Introduction: Italy's decline, the existing interpretations, and our hypothesis
2:The conceptual framework: growth, institutions, and social orders
3:The conceptual framework: collective action, trust, culture, and ideas
4:Vicious circles and multiple equilibria: the spiral
5:Italy's social order between unification and Fascism
6:The formation of the republican institutions
7:The 'economic miracle' and an ambitious reform programme
8:Continuity and instability: the spiral sets in
9:The last four decades: the spiral unperturbed, halted, resumed
10:Conclusions
Description
Italy is a country of recent decline and long-standing idiosyncratic traits. A rich society served by an advanced manufacturing economy , where the rule of law is weak and political accountability low, it has long been in downward spiral alimented by corruption and clientelism. From this spiral has emerged an equilibrium as consistent as it is inefficient, that raises serious obstacles to economic and democratic development. The Political Economy of Italy's Decline explains the causes of Italy's downward trajectory, and explains how the country can shift to a fairer and more efficient system.
