The Narrow Corridor: States, Societies, and the Fate of Liberty" by Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson

The term "narrow corridor" is commonly associated with the book "The Narrow Corridor: States, Societies, and the Fate of Liberty" by Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson. In their book, Acemoglu and Robinson discuss the importance of striking a delicate balance between the state and society in order to achieve and maintain a prosperous and free society.

The "narrow corridor" refers to the narrow space or path between two undesirable extremes: the "absent state" and the "coercive state." The absent state refers to a situation where there is a lack of centralized authority, weak governance, and minimal state capacity. In this scenario, chaos, lawlessness, and a lack of public services prevail. On the other hand, the coercive state represents an oppressive regime that exercises excessive control, suppresses individual freedoms, and monopolizes power.

According to Acemoglu and Robinson, a healthy society is one that navigates this narrow corridor, where the state has enough power to maintain order and provide public goods, but not so much power that it becomes authoritarian and suppressive. They argue that a balance must be struck to ensure a state that is strong enough to enforce laws, protect property rights, and provide public services, while also allowing society enough freedom to innovate, express dissent, and hold the state accountable.

The concept of the narrow corridor has been influential in discussions about governance, political systems, and the relationship between state and society. It highlights the importance of institutional arrangements, inclusive political systems, and checks and balances to maintain a balance between state power and individual liberty.

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