#168: The Struggle for Liberty Ft. Daron Acemoglu

Liberty is a value often associated with democracy. Grassroots advocates and organizers have historically mobilized to pressure leaders and bring about change in society. But these efforts haven’t always been successful. With this in mind, what does it take for liberty to emerge? This pursuit of liberty is at the center of economist Daron Acemoglu’s new book, “The Narrow Corridor: States, Societies, and the Fate of Liberty.” In this week’s episode, Acemoglu joins Julian Zelizer and Sam Wang to discuss the role of norms and mobilization as states and societies struggle in the corridor to liberty. Acemoglu is the Elizabeth and James Killian Professor of Economics at MIT. Earlier this year, he was named Institute Professor, the highest faculty honor at MIT. Acemoglu has authored multiple works, including “Economic Origins of Dictatorship and Democracy” and “Why Nations Fail.”