Struggling through “The Narrow Corridor". Why this complex book is worth your time

I have to admit, The Narrow Corridor: States, Societies, and the Fate of Liberty, by Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson was not an easy read for me. While I’m always drawn to a good history story, and this book is packed with them, there were times when I felt lost in the dense analysis and overwhelming details. Acemoglu and Robinson build their arguments meticulously, layer by layer, weaving historical patterns with political theory. And while I often found myself captivated by the examples they presented, I also had to push myself to stay engaged with the more complex theoretical discussions. But in the end, it was worth it, because the core idea of the book is as relevant as ever: freedom is not a given, and societies must constantly struggle to maintain a balance between state power and individual rights.

The Leviathans that shape our world

At the heart of The Narrow Corridor is the idea that liberty only survives in societies where the state is strong enough to enforce laws but not so strong that it crushes individual freedoms. The authors categorize states into different types of Leviathans:

1. Absent Leviathan – Weak states that cannot enforce laws or provide security, leading to chaos. Somalia is a classic example.
2. Despotic Leviathan – Overly powerful states that suppress individual rights and maintain strict control, like imperial China or modern North Korea.
3. Paper Leviathan – States that appear strong in theory but lack actual capacity or legitimacy, resulting in corruption and inefficiency, as seen in many post-colonial nations. Columbia is such example.
4. Shackled Leviathan – The ideal balance, where a strong state is kept in check by an engaged society, ensuring liberty and progress. Switzerland and, historically, the United States, fit this model.

A fascinating story: witch hunts in Africa

One of the stories that stuck with me from the book was about witch hunts in Africa. In some rural communities, the state is weak, and traditional structures hold significant power. When things go wrong, failed crops, illnesses, economic hardships, people often turn to old superstitions to explain their misfortunes. Women, especially those who are older or socially isolated, are frequently accused of witchcraft and subjected to brutal punishment, sometimes even death. In these regions, the Absent Leviathan means there is no formal legal system to protect individuals from mob justice. Instead of rational governance, fear and superstition take control, demonstrating how the absence of a functioning state can lead to oppression in a different form. This example made me realize how fragile societal order can be and how, without a balance of power, even deeply ingrained traditions can become dangerous.

While reading this book, I came across the observations of Romanian journalist Mihnea M?ru??. If you haven't listened to him, I highly recommend this podcast. He argues that we are currently living in a time where old power structures are being challenged, but no clear new order has emerged. He describes a world where state institutions are increasingly questioned, where globalization has created uncertainty, and where societies are more fragmented than ever. His perspective aligns with Acemoglu and Robinson warning: when states become too weak or too powerful, societies suffer. M?ru?? warns that if people disengage from civic life, allowing either authoritarianism or lawlessness to take hold, we risk falling out of the Narrow Corridor and into either chaos or oppression. This idea reinforced my understanding that democracy and freedom are not self-sustaining, they rather require constant work and vigilance.

Despite its complexity, The Narrow Corridor is a book that rewards patience. It challenged me, but it also gave me a richer understanding of the forces shaping our world today. And at its core, it delivers a powerful message: liberty is never guaranteed. It is something societies must actively fight for, generation after generation.