THE TYRANNY OF EXPERTS Economists, Dictators, and the Forgotten Rights of the Poor

As "rebel" economist William Easterly raises his concerns about autocracy and individual rights, narrator Chris Ciulla serves as a guide, encouraging listeners to think about the questions Easterly raises. Ciulla's voice highlights the gaps between what people say and what they mean as Easterly tells us the code words that substitute for debate. Ciulla takes on both cynical and heartfelt tones as he lays out Easterly's argument that experts, such as those at the World Bank, often favor inflexible solutions and help autocratic governments that don't respect the rights of the poor. Listeners might not agree when Easterly suggests a more market-driven approach, but his outline of the history of aid and colonialist attitudes will spark thoughts about human rights. J.A.S. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2021]