Why Some Countries Are Rich While Others Remain Poor: A Dynamic Institutional Adaptation Theory
Year: 2025
Type: dissertation
Abstract: This thesis addresses one of the most enduring puzzles in development economics: why some countries achieve prosperity while others remain trapped in poverty, often despite abundant natural resources. Through comprehensive analysis of existing theories, empirical validation, and the development of a novel theoretical framework, this research introduces the Dynamic Institutional Adaptation Theory (DIAT) as a superior explanation for global wealth disparities. DIAT posits that a country's development trajectory is primarily determined by its Adaptive Capacity Index (ACI), which comprises four interconnected components: Information Processing Capacity, Coordination Mechanisms, Learning and Innovation capabilities, and Legitimacy and Social Cohesion. Unlike static institutional theories, DIAT emphasizes the dynamic interaction between adaptive capacity and environmental pressures, explaining how countries can overcome apparent disadvantages through institutional innovation while others fail despite favorable initial conditions. The empirical validation, conducted using data from 65 countries, demonstrates DIAT's superior explanatory power compared to existing frameworks. The theory successfully explains the "China puzzle," resolves the resource curse paradox, and provides actionable policy guidance for developing nations. Through critical comparison with institutional determinism, geographic determinism, cultural theories, resource curse theory, modernization theory, and dependency theory, this thesis establishes DIAT as a paradigmatic advance in development economics. The research concludes that building adaptive capacity—rather than copying successful institutions or relying on geographic advantages—represents the most viable path to sustainable development in an increasingly complex and rapidly changing global environment.
Author: Tan, Kwan Hong
Institution: Singapore University of Social Sciences
Language: English
Subfield: Demography
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Reduced inequalities
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7085734758
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