Robert Samuelson has an interesting op-ed in the WaPo on the issue of the poverty trap arguing that Gregory Clark's thesis of culture as being the rate determining step on the path to wealth (or more accurately the path out of poverty).

Clark suggests that much of the world's remaining poverty is semi-permanent. Modern technology and management are widely available, but many societies can't take advantage because their values and social organization are antagonistic. Prescribing economically sensible policies (open markets, secure property rights, sound money) can't overcome this bedrock resistance.

It is interesting to note the Deniehy and Harpur saw little difference between political and social organisation. To 19thC Republicans they were one and the same: as reduction of tyranny led to increased liberty and consequent greater individual moral expression. (more)

Joseph Tainter has an interesting essay titled Complexity, Problem Solving and Sustainable Societies. His thesis is that humankind, in order to solve practical problems, increases the complexity of the systems that go toward a solution. Over time this complexity needs to be subsidised by increasing energy - lest they collapse. (more)