Niall Ferguson: The Rule of Law and Its Enemies

Niall Ferguson, who serves on the Belfer Center's Board of Directors, recently delivered a series of lectures entitled 'The Rule of Law and Its Enemies,' as part of the BBC's storied Reith Lecture Series.

Named after Lord John Reith, the BBC's first director-general, the series aims to "advance public understanding and debate about significant issues of contemporary interest," by inviting leading figures in academia, politics and business to speak about their experiences and views on contemporary issues and debates.

Ferguson's lectures, which took place between June and July 2012, focused primarily on the root causes of economic wealth and prosperity and also looked at how their realization can be undermined or held back both by people and institutions.

Part 1 of 4: The Human Hive

Ferguson argues that institutions determine the success or failure of nations.

Part 2 of 4: The Darwinian Economy

Ferguson reflects on the causes and lessons of the global financial crisis.

Part 3 of 4: The Landscape of the Law

Ferguson asks if different systems of law are key to economic success.

Part 4 of 4: Civil and Uncivil Societies

Ferguson examines institutions outside the political, economic and legal realms, whose primary purpose is to preserve and transmit particular knowledge and values.