Rule by development experts (world bank) becomes a tool of tyranny and authoritarian decision making

The book is superficial in that it repeatedly and uncritically lumps together technocrats, experts, authoritarians and dictators as tyrants. Read David Broodman's review to see what I mean. But it also has good parts. Hayek is a hero of Easterly's and the beginning is a good intro to Hayek's ideas about knowledge. Rights before economic development is a pet cause, and something too few talk about. (Well-meaning) racism was a crucial element in the development of authoriatarian development ideas - the powerful (colonialists, Chinese leadership, or others) had to lead for the benefit of those who were lead. Another interesting history part is about research on the role of social and civic capital in the development of in particular Italian city states. Chapters 8-9 on migration are very sensible. Recommended, and do consider his critical words seriously, but ignore the unsubstantive and unnuanced ones. ( )