simonator's reviews
159 reviews

Blattman's a brilliant scientist and statistician. Like his academic work, this accessible book takes a non-dogmatic, evidence-led approach that is undogmatic and grounded in empiricism. His school of thought is hard to pin down, but there is a certain unreflected acceptance of rationality as an epistemology underpinning his approach. Nevertheless, he does not blindly accept the homo-economicus-dogmas of mainstream economic thought; refreshing! Nevertheless, while his academic credentials are top-grade, this book reads at times a tad superficial - especially when he uses (cherry-picks?) historical anecdotes to explain interstate war. I wonder whether his analysis is perhaps exclusively applicable to civil wars and internal conflicts rather than explaining what makes states go to war.

Charmant wie immer. 

Enjoyable read with evocative writing. The humanity and individuality given to each character makes this novel feel very real(istic). The plot and messaging were somewhat foreseeable and compared to Things Fall Apart, it all felt a little less meaningful.

The underlying research of this book is actually impressive and there are some nuggets of interesting thought in here. However, the book could have immensely profited off some actual data presented in some scientific fashion, or illustrations. Not even a list of the countries of the lowest billion is included anywhere. Only stylised facts and cherry-picked anecdotes scatter the text. This level of incidental evidence is too flimsy for the sweeping arguments presented. Thus, the book remains too superficial, while simultaneously incredibly dismissive of alternative schools of thought. Also, recommendations are just incredibly out-there without the necessary data to back them up ("as many military interventions in poor countries as possible!") and sometimes, the language is patronising (poor countries keep getting compared to stupid children). 

Fails to grip and convince of central concepts. Lacks analytical clarity. Some points for interesting and underexplored subject matter. 

Solid but slightly less gripping than its predecessors. The cosmic dread could have been played up. Th finale goes on a bit too long, the epilogue too short. Anna and Melba are not super interesting characters. People don't like politics talk, but for fans of it, this is great! 

Wirr assoziativ und uninteressant. Die zentrale Frage wird nicht mit Tiefe beantwortet.

Full of meaningful symbology, that I could not always be made to care. The plot is just not that enticing. Nevertheless, the novel is quite *deep* - and quite aware of it.