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The Narrow Corridor summary
States, Societies, and the Fate of Liberty
32 mins
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The Narrow Corridor by Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson explores how societies can maintain a balance between state power and citizen rights, avoiding the dangers of either tyranny or anarchy, through inclusive institutions.
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The Narrow Corridor
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The path to liberty is a narrow corridor, requiring a balance between state and society.
One of the world’s oldest surviving pieces of text is the Epic of Gilgamesh. Etched upon a series of Sumerian tablets some 4,200 years old, it tells the story of Gilgamesh, king of the ancient city of Uruk.
In the epic, we witness Gilgamesh presiding over a flourishing Uruk. The city is remarkable, home to glorious palaces and temples, bustling markets, and gleaming ramparts.
But not all is well. King Gilgamesh is proud, vainglorious, and tyrannical. He arrogantly struts around the city, tearing sons and daughters away from their parents in order to murder or rape them. The people of Uruk plead with Anu, the god of the sky, to save them from Gilgamesh’s tyranny and restore some semblance of liberty.
The key message here is: The path to liberty is a narrow corridor, requiring a balance between state and society.
The god Anu hears the people’s pleas and comes up with a solution to what the authors call the Gilgamesh problem. It is the question of how to control the power and authority of the state so it benefits rather than oppresses society.
Anu’s solution? To have the creation goddess Aruru create a counterpart for Gilgamesh – a man equal to him in strength and power, who could balance him out. His name was Enkidu.
At first, Enkidu succeeded in pushing back against Gilgamesh’s tyranny. But soon, the two struck up a friendship and began to conspire together. With their combined strength, the possibility for checks and balances completely disappeared. Despotic power was there to stay.
So why didn’t liberty emerge in Uruk? In short, because society wasn’t mobilized and therefore had no political might. As a result, elites – in this case, Gilgamesh and Enkidu – had no reason to remain benevolent.
Liberty requires a balance between state and society. Too strong a state, and you’re left with despotism. Too weak a state, and violence and lawlessness emerge. The space between these two extremes is a narrow corridor to liberty.
Why a corridor and not a door? Well, because traveling in the corridor is a long, drawn out process – governments and institutions aren’t forged overnight. And the corridor is narrow because it’s not easy to restrain a powerful state – nor to keep members of society working together rather than tearing each other apart.
When a society fails to enter the corridor, the consequences can be dire.
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What is The Narrow Corridor about?
The Narrow Corridor (2019) weaves together a rich tapestry from disparate parts of history to answer the question: Why do some countries achieve liberty while others do not? From the ancient city of Uruk to Revolutionary America, from 1950s China to modern-day Argentina, it examines the conditions that enable governments and citizens to thrive as one – and the consequences when this fails to occur.
The Narrow Corridor Review
The Narrow Corridor (2019) by Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson is a thought-provoking exploration of the delicate balance between the state and society in securing and maintaining political and economic liberty. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- Offers a deep analysis rooted in historical and contemporary examples, shedding light on the complexities of democratic societies.
- Explores the tensions and trade-offs between state and society that are crucial for understanding the fragility of liberty and the constant struggles for it.
- With its engaging narratives and rigorous research, it captivates readers and stimulates a deeper understanding of our political systems.
Who should read The Narrow Corridor?
- Fans of world history, philosophy, economics, and political science
- Citizens concerned about the fate of liberty in their countries
- Anyone fascinated by a gripping historical tale
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The Narrow Corridor FAQs
What is the main message of The Narrow Corridor?
The main message of The Narrow Corridor is the delicate balance between state power and society's freedom.
How long does it take to read The Narrow Corridor?
The reading time for The Narrow Corridor depends on the reader, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in 15 minutes.
Is The Narrow Corridor a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Narrow Corridor is worth reading for its insightful exploration of the constraints and preconditions for liberty and prosperity.
Who is the author of The Narrow Corridor?
The authors of The Narrow Corridor are Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson.
What to read after The Narrow Corridor?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Narrow Corridor, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Upheaval by Jared Diamond
- Why Nations Fail by Daron Acemoglu & James A. Robinson
- The Wages of Destruction by Adam Tooze
- Homo Deus by Yuval Noah Harari
- The Beginning of Infinity by David Deutsch
- The Singularity Is Nearer by Ray Kurzweil
- Supercommunicators by Charles Duhigg
- Mind Magic by James R. Doty
- The Road to Serfdom by Friedrich August von Hayek
- Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl