Here’s a breakdown of the provided HTML snippet, focusing on the article information and extracting key details:
Overall Structure:
The snippet represents a section of a webpage, likely a “Recommended Articles” or “Editor’s Picks” area. It contains two article elements, each representing a different article from Project Syndicate. The articles are nested within li (list item) elements inside an ordered list (ol). The excerpt also includes a paragraph of text regarding authoritarianism.
Article 1:
* Title: Yankee Go Home, Again
* Author: Jorge G. Castañeda
* URL: https://www.project-syndicate.org/onpoint/venezuela-attack-augurs-a-new-era-of-us-intervention-in-latin-america-by-jorge-g-castaneda-2026-01
* Date: January 2026
* Image: A man in Buenos Aires holding a portrait of Donald Trump during a protest against U.S. intervention in venezuela (January 5, 2026). The image credit is Tomas Cuesta/Getty Images.
* topic: Venezuela, U.S.intervention in Latin America.
Article 2:
* Title: America’s New Age of Empire
* Author: Joseph E.Stiglitz
* URL: [https://wwwproject[https://wwwproject
What does Acemoglu and Robinson mean by institutional drift in “Bloody Minnesota”?
Table of Contents
- 1. What does Acemoglu and Robinson mean by institutional drift in “Bloody Minnesota”?
- 2. Bloody Minnesota: Unpacking Acemoglu & Robinson’s Examination of Institutional Drift
- 3. The Promise of Minnesota: Initial Institutional Setup
- 4. The Erosion of Institutions & The Dakota’s Plight
- 5. The 1862 War: A Symptom of Institutional Failure
- 6. Lessons for Institutional Design & Sustainability
- 7. The Dakota Today: Ongoing Struggles for Justice
Bloody Minnesota: Unpacking Acemoglu & Robinson’s Examination of Institutional Drift
Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson’s Bloody Minnesota delves into a interesting, and often unsettling, case study of institutional failure – the 1862 Dakota War in Minnesota. It’s not a history book in the traditional sense, but a powerful illustration of their broader theories on why nations fail, as outlined in why Nations Fail.The book uses the conflict as a lens to examine how seemingly “inclusive” institutions can erode, leading to devastating consequences.
The Promise of Minnesota: Initial Institutional Setup
In the mid-19th century, Minnesota was presented as a success story of westward expansion. The territory,and later state,was built on a foundation of relatively inclusive institutions compared to other frontier areas. This included:
* Land Ownership Rights: A system designed to grant ownership to settlers, encouraging investment and productivity.
* Legal Framework: A functioning legal system, albeit imperfect, intended to resolve disputes and enforce contracts.
* Political Participation: A degree of political participation,notably for white settlers,allowing for representation and accountability.
These institutions initially attracted settlers and fostered economic growth. However, the book argues this initial success masked underlying vulnerabilities, particularly concerning the Dakota people.
The Erosion of Institutions & The Dakota’s Plight
The core argument of Bloody Minnesota centers on how these initially inclusive institutions were systematically undermined, creating conditions ripe for conflict. This wasn’t a sudden collapse, but a gradual process of institutional drift. Key factors included:
* Treaty Violations: Repeated breaches of treaties between the U.S. government and the Dakota, leading to land dispossession and broken promises. This eroded trust and created economic hardship.
* Corruption & lack of Accountability: Rampant corruption within the Indian Agency system. Agents were often more concerned with personal gain than with the welfare of the Dakota, leading to mismanagement of resources and delayed payments.
* Political Exclusion: The Dakota were systematically excluded from meaningful political participation, rendering them powerless to address their grievances through legitimate channels.
* Economic Exploitation: The fur trade and subsequent agricultural practices led to the depletion of resources vital to the Dakota’s traditional way of life, forcing them into dependency.
These factors created a vicious cycle of poverty, desperation, and resentment. The Dakota’s attempts to seek redress through legal and political means were consistently ignored or thwarted.
The 1862 War: A Symptom of Institutional Failure
The Dakota War of 1862 wasn’t a spontaneous outburst of violence, but a desperate response to systemic injustice. The immediate trigger was the delayed payment of treaty annuities – food and supplies promised by the government.However, the underlying causes ran much deeper, stemming from the erosion of institutions and the denial of basic rights.
The war itself was brutal, marked by atrocities committed by both sides. the aftermath was even more devastating for the Dakota.
* Mass Executions: The largest mass execution in U.S. history took place in Mankato, Minnesota, were 38 Dakota men were hanged on December 26, 1862.
* Expulsion & Dispossession: The surviving Dakota were expelled from minnesota, and their lands were confiscated.
* Further Institutionalization of Exclusion: The war solidified the narrative of the Dakota as “savages,” justifying further discrimination and dispossession.
Lessons for Institutional Design & Sustainability
Bloody Minnesota isn’t just a ancient account; it’s a cautionary tale about the fragility of institutions. Acemoglu and Robinson highlight several key lessons:
* Inclusivity is Paramount: Institutions must be inclusive, protecting the rights of all members of society, not just a privileged few.
* Accountability is Crucial: Mechanisms for accountability are essential to prevent corruption and ensure that institutions serve their intended purpose.
* Constant Vigilance: Institutions require constant monitoring and maintenance to prevent drift and erosion.
* Political Participation Matters: Meaningful political participation is vital for ensuring that all voices are heard and that grievances are addressed.
The Dakota Today: Ongoing Struggles for Justice
The legacy of the 1862 War continues to impact the Dakota people today.Thay face ongoing challenges related to land rights, economic development, and cultural preservation.
* Land Claims: Efforts to reclaim ancestral lands are ongoing, facing notable legal and political obstacles.
* Economic Disparities: Dakota communities continue to experience higher rates of poverty and unemployment.
* Cultural Revitalization: Efforts to revitalize the Dakota language and culture are underway, but face challenges due to historical trauma and ongoing discrimination.
The story of Bloody Minnesota serves as a stark reminder that institutional failure has lasting consequences, and that achieving true justice requires addressing the root causes of inequality and dispossession. The case underscores the importance of understanding the historical context of contemporary issues and the need for ongoing efforts to build more inclusive and equitable institutions.
