What was the long term economic impact of the Final Solution in Russia? Daron Acemoglu - well known for his work on the long term role of institutions (rule of the game) on economic growth - and colleagues - have a new paper out which seeks to provide an answer. They hypothesize that it was the murder of a significant portion of the middle class which had a long term structural effect on the Russian economy.
Fascinating, not least as a reason why development agencies should take conflict and mass atrocities more seriously than they do. Odd to see no comparisons with Rwanda though; some estimates have per capita GDP being 25-30% higher than if the genocide had not taken place.
(Hat tip: Chris Blattman)
