In a 24/7 world and a global economy, there is no doubt that relationships impact virtually every economic transaction. In Relationship Economics, Lindon Robison and Bryan Ritchie argue that what needs to be understood is not just whether relationships matter (which, of course, they do), but also, how much, and in what circumstances they should matter. Providing a rigorous and measurable definition of the way that relationships among individuals create a capital, social capital, that can be saved, spent, and used like other forms of capital, Robison and Ritchie use numerous examples and insightful analysis, to explain how social capital shapes our ability to reduce poverty, understand corruption, encourage democracy, facilitate income equality, and respond to globalization. The first part of the book explains how social capital can be manipulated, stored, expended, and invested. The second part explores how levels of social capital within relationships influence economic transactions both positively and negatively, which in turn shape poverty levels, economic efficiency, levels and types of political participation, and institutional structures.

For many developing countries economic growth is an elusive quest. Both economists and policymakers have long known that issues such as education, investment and infrastructure are necessary ingredients for development and yet only a very small number of countries seem to be able to come up with the right mix of these ingredients. Bryan Ritchie demonstrates how political relationships among government, business, academic and labor leaders create different incentives for economic actors to make key decisions to promote economic upgrading and sustainable development. He reveals how these decisions affect matters such as bureaucratic structures, the language of education, a focus on technology and innovation, and the inclusion of labor in business strategy. These shape the institutional structures that in turn create the foundation of government policy. This insightful study shows that whether the political relationships that form are beneficial, or detrimental, to economic upgrading depends critically on levels of systemic vulnerability, a combination of resource endowments, domestic conflict and external military security. Systemic Vulnerability and Sustainable Economic Growth will be warmly welcomed by academics and researchers of political science, economics - development economics particularly - and Asian studies. Policymakers will find invaluable insights in to how government bodies can successfully incorporate actors from the private sector. The book will also appeal to business leaders wishing to know why policymakers act the way they do.