Book Review

Submitted to: Ms. Saira Aquil

Submitted by: Jawad Ali Khan
MSc DSS
IV semester

The Bottom Billion: Why the poorest countries are failing and what can be done
about it
Author of the book: Paul Collier
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Year of publication: 2007
Copyright year: 2007
ISBN-10: 0195374630
ISBN-13: 978-0195374636

Paul Collier is a graduate from the University of Oxford; has remained the director of the
Development Research Group of the World Bank from 1998 to 2003 and is also a Professor of
Economics and Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government, plus Director for the
Centre for the Study of African Economies at The University of Oxford.
He talks about the problem of the few developing countries in Africa, which are at the bottom of
the global economic system despite the aid that was given to them but did not prove helpful
except for few countries. Paul writes these poor countries are lagging behind and represent a part
of humanity, ranging up to a billion people, that is living under constant misery and discontent
and is waiting for an action from our, international community, side to help the people that are
trying to take a stand and bring about reforms in the face of greedy politicians who have been
exploiting them since ages for their invested interests.
Using his expertise and understanding of Economics, Collier persuasively approaches the issue
of uplifting the bottom billion by firstly identifying four traps-the conflict trap, natural
resources trap, landlocked with bad neighbours and bad governance in a small country, that have
hindered the growth of these countries. I second his brilliant thoughts and appreciate his work

but I believe, proposing such traps, not only needs knowledge of Economics but a thorough
background knowledge and history of the very countries that are trapped in such traps. Although,
the writer has had experience of working in Africa and has done complete justice with the
subject matter at hand but I do not understand why he has not talked about or overlooked the
French and British rules in Africa which have turned several territories into ghettos of misery;
and now they themselves fear the created poverty, criminals, lawlessness, and anarchy which
was initiated because of their own policies. I think everyone needs to be true to themselves and
be humble enough to realize and accept the mistakes that were once part of the rules of the
colonists to further their state interests. For instance, why on earth are Britishers still inhabiting
the South Africa, if they generally picture Africa not-suitable-for-living? The answer is simple. It
is all about diamonds. Secondly, Collier devises a strategy as to how these countries can be set
free from those traps by certain measures in the names of instruments namely economic aid,
military intervention, laws and charters and trade policy for revising marginalization. Here he
senses and foresees the dangers that lies ahead, which shows Collier`s far sightedness. He says
these countries needs to be addressed because if they are left to suffer, it will not only be bad for
them but also for our future generations as this bottom billion will pose security threats in
future. But I see it all as an intentional systematic destruction of the Africans. These people were
looted, poverty was inflicted on them, they were made slaves and now they would be labeled as
terrorists when they will try to quench their thirst or satiate their appetite through the ways that
were imposed on them.
Apart from the skepticism, this book is very descriptive in its attempt to broaden the mental
horizons and spread awareness among the masses regarding the underdeveloped countries, which
occurs to me as a beam of hope and reflection of humanity.