In this meticulous analysis, Rubin tackles a central historical puzzle: why did the Middle East fail to generate the same level of sustained economic development as Europe?

The book moves beyond traditional explanations, focusing instead on the socio-political structures that governed economic potential. Key themes include:

·        Political Legitimacy and Religious Power: The author explores how religious authorities in the Middle East historically provided legitimacy to political rulers. He argues that this symbiotic relationship often led to policies that inadvertently hindered economic modernization and institutional growth.

·        The Cost of Interest: A comparative look at the evolution of banking and interest-bearing loans within Islamic and Christian frameworks, and how these different paths influenced capital accumulation.

·        The Printing Press: An analysis of the restrictions placed on printing in the Ottoman Empire compared to its rapid adoption in Europe, highlighting the resulting gap in the dissemination of knowledge and technical innovation.

The volume is organized into nine chapters that trace the historical origins of governance and economic disparity:

·        Foundations of Rule: Analyzing the early methods used to promote and sustain political authority.

·        Institutional Barriers: Examining the legal and religious constraints on banking and commerce.

·        The Rise of the West: Investigating the specific "turning points" that allowed Europe to pull ahead and the lasting impact of these shifts on the 21st century and beyond.

This publication is part of RCD’s ongoing effort to provide Arabic-speaking researchers and policymakers with access to global scholarship that addresses the structural challenges of development and institutional reform.