Rulers, Religion, and Riches

Why the West Got Rich and the Middle East Did Not

Business & Finance, Economics, Economic Development, Nonfiction, History
Cover of the book Rulers, Religion, and Riches by Professor Jared Rubin, Cambridge University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Professor Jared Rubin ISBN: 9781108165068
Publisher: Cambridge University Press Publication: February 16, 2017
Imprint: Cambridge University Press Language: English
Author: Professor Jared Rubin
ISBN: 9781108165068
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Publication: February 16, 2017
Imprint: Cambridge University Press
Language: English

For centuries following the spread of Islam, the Middle East was far ahead of Europe. Yet, the modern economy was born in Europe. Why was it not born in the Middle East? In this book Jared Rubin examines the role that Islam played in this reversal of fortunes. It argues that the religion itself is not to blame; the importance of religious legitimacy in Middle Eastern politics was the primary culprit. Muslim religious authorities were given an important seat at the political bargaining table, which they used to block important advancements such as the printing press and lending at interest. In Europe, however, the Church played a weaker role in legitimizing rule, especially where Protestantism spread (indeed, the Reformation was successful due to the spread of printing, which was blocked in the Middle East). It was precisely in those Protestant nations, especially England and the Dutch Republic, where the modern economy was born.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

For centuries following the spread of Islam, the Middle East was far ahead of Europe. Yet, the modern economy was born in Europe. Why was it not born in the Middle East? In this book Jared Rubin examines the role that Islam played in this reversal of fortunes. It argues that the religion itself is not to blame; the importance of religious legitimacy in Middle Eastern politics was the primary culprit. Muslim religious authorities were given an important seat at the political bargaining table, which they used to block important advancements such as the printing press and lending at interest. In Europe, however, the Church played a weaker role in legitimizing rule, especially where Protestantism spread (indeed, the Reformation was successful due to the spread of printing, which was blocked in the Middle East). It was precisely in those Protestant nations, especially England and the Dutch Republic, where the modern economy was born.

More books from Cambridge University Press

Cover of the book Foreign Accent by Professor Jared Rubin
Cover of the book Language Regard by Professor Jared Rubin
Cover of the book China as a Polar Great Power by Professor Jared Rubin
Cover of the book Knowledge Representation, Reasoning, and the Design of Intelligent Agents by Professor Jared Rubin
Cover of the book Ethnic Diversity and Economic Instability in Africa by Professor Jared Rubin
Cover of the book Democratic Decline and Democratic Renewal by Professor Jared Rubin
Cover of the book Family and Gender in Renaissance Italy, 1300–1600 by Professor Jared Rubin
Cover of the book Agents of Neoliberal Globalization by Professor Jared Rubin
Cover of the book Mobilising the Diaspora by Professor Jared Rubin
Cover of the book Perfecting Pregnancy by Professor Jared Rubin
Cover of the book Toxic Histories by Professor Jared Rubin
Cover of the book The Cambridge History of Ireland: Volume 3, 1730–1880 by Professor Jared Rubin
Cover of the book The Cambridge World History: Volume 6, The Construction of a Global World, 1400–1800 CE, Part 2, Patterns of Change by Professor Jared Rubin
Cover of the book Jewish War under Trajan and Hadrian by Professor Jared Rubin
Cover of the book Falls in Older People by Professor Jared Rubin
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy