Why

Renewing Indigenous Economics Forum talk by James A. Robinson Professor, University of Chicago, on Why Indian Nations Fail on Monday, September 24, 2018 in Stauffer Auditorium, Hoover Institution, Stanford University.

Professor James Robinson delivered a keynote address on September 24, 2018. Drawing on his award winning, co-authored book, Why Nations FailRobinson explained how different indigenous societies adapted their institutions over centuries, allowing them to survive and in many cases thrive. Robinson discussed how governance structures thrust upon them by modern nation states have stifled this evolutionary process and led to economic stagnation for many indigenous economies. By understanding why indigenous nations have failed, indigenous societies can renew their cultures and their economies.

Robinson's lecture was followed by comments from Manny Jules, Chief Commissioner of the First Nations Tax Commission, and Te Maire Tau, Director of the Ngāi Tahu Research Center at the University of Canterbury.

Upcoming Events

Tuesday, March 24, 2026
NWC-Webinar-Image.jpg
Wargaming The Pacific: Lessons From The Naval War College's Interwar Games
This webinar examines the interwar wargames conducted at the U.S. Naval War College before World War II and their foundational role in shaping U.S.… Hoover Institution, Stanford University
Thursday, March 26, 2026
Ideas-Uncorked_rectangle-template_3-9.jpg
Ideas Uncorked: Tribal Sovereignty And Economic Freedom
The Hoover Institution in DC hosts Ideas Uncorked: Tribal Sovereignty And Economic Freedom on Thursday, March 26 from 5:00–6:30 pm ET. The event will… Hoover Institution in DC
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
LabratoryScienceiStock-1938555104.jpg
In Science We Trust? Understanding Americans’ Confidence In Science, Scientists, And Scientific Institutions
The Hoover Institution's Center for Revitalizing American Institutions, in partnership with the Hoover Technology Policy Accelerator, invites you to… Hoover Institution, Stanford University
overlay image