Title: A Cure for "Western Guilt"
Review: I wish I had this book in college when I had to hear on a daily basis how Western imperialism and capitalism were the root of all world troubles. Bauer explains that most third world problems have causes which have nothing to do with the west. Furthermore, efforts to distribute foreign aid are often counterproductive and harmful. Bauer also discusses the causes of national wealth or poverty. In one of my favorite essays he explores the reasons for Hong Kong's success, being it has no raw materials and is one of the world's most "overpopulated" areas. Bauer argues the answer lies in a combination of its free market policies, as well as the motivation, aptitudes, and social mores of the people. The book is also worth it for the excellent essay on the non-problem of overpopulation. The book was great, however, what a boring title! Not exactly an attention grabber for all the exciting ideas in the book.
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