'Why Nations Fail'

Scholars have long debated what creates a successful society and what dooms the states that fail. 

Many have argued that geography is king: A country sitting atop an arid land is sure to be at a disadvantage. Others argue that the key is culture. Some cultures are intrinsically less well equipped to deal with complex financial markets — perhaps some even place less emphasis on hard work. 

But, in their book "Why Nations Fail," MIT economics professor Daron Acemoglu and Harvard government professor James Robinson argue that understanding why nations failed in the past — and why they could fail in the future — boils down to something different: a rationale that may tell us a lot about where America has been, and where it is headed. Kara Miller talks with Acemoglu and Robinson on Boston Public Radio. 

GUESTS: 

• Daron Acemoglu: Killian professor of economics at MIT, co-author of "Why Nations Fail: The Origins of Power, Prosperity, and Poverty"
• James Robinson: David Florence professor of government at Harvard University, co-author of "Why Nations Fail"

Daron Acemoglu joined WGBH's Forum Network earlier this summer: