Elites have a disproportionate impact on development outcomes. While a country's
endowments constitute the deep determinates of growth, the trajectory they
follow is shaped by the actions of elites. But what factors affect whether
elites use their influence for individual gain or national welfare? To what
extent do they see poverty as a problem? And are their actions today constrained
by institutions and norms established in the past? This volume looks at case
studies from South Africa to China to seek a better understanding of the
dynamics behind how elites decide to engage with economic development.
Approaches include economic modelling, social surveys, theoretical analysis, and
program evaluation. These