Abstract

VARGAS, Gonzalo A. The Dark Side of the Great Divergence: Coercion and the Origin of Global Inequality. Rev.econ.inst. [online]. 2024, vol.26, n.50, pp.263-284.  Epub Mar 12, 2024. ISSN 0124-5996.  https://doi.org/10.18601/01245996.v26n50.11.

The "Great Divergence" is the historical process that gave rise to the persistent gap in the per capita income between different regions of the world, about two centuries ago. Conventional explanations attribute its origin to the exceptional features of European societies. In this article I synthesize the challenges to this position and argument that ignores the importance of coercion and its relationship with technological innovation, institutions and culture. Coercion was not a sufficient condition for the Great Divergence, but it was necessary for the formation of persistent economic gaps between regions of the world.

Keywords : global inequality; economic history; eurocentrism; JEL: F54, N40, P52.

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