Elite Preferences, Policy Influence and the Middle-Income Trap

This  paper by Stephan Panther focuses on processes of policy-making that are supposed to trap a country in middle-income status. Using case studies from the Dominican Republic and Thailand, the paper attempts to analyze economic and political interests of elite groups and their influence on policy-making and policy decisions, which in turn shape the conditions for economic activities. The paper works out under which specific conditions it is more easily possible for powerful groups to shape politics according to own preferences and, as well, under which conditions these interests are more or less detrimental for the economy to grow out of middle income status.