For a few generations Institutions have been the dominant explanation for explaining the different levels of development between societies.

I recommend that you read these book summaries in the following order:

1. “Why Nations Fail” by Acemoglu and Robinson
2. “Violence and Social Orders” by North, Wallis and Weingast
3. “The Origins of Political Order” by Francis Fukuyama
4. “The Dictator’s Handbook” by Mesquita and Smith
5. “Military Revolution and Political Change” by Brian Downing
6. “Lineages of the Absolutist State” by Perry Anderson

If there is a book that you find particularly interesting, please support the author by buying the book.