Why are some parts of the world rich and getting richer? Why are some nations mired in poverty? And what explains the differences in prosperity among states and regions in the United States? In a white paper issued this month, economics Professors Arthur Blakemore and Berthold Herrendorf examine these questions -- among the most fundamental in economics -- with an eye toward policy. After all, if economists can discover how economies improve their living standards, then the logical next step is to craft policies to make it happen.<br><br><a href='http://knowledge.wpcarey.asu.edu/index.cfm?fa=viewArticle&id=1350' target='_blank'>http://knowledge.wpcarey.asu.edu/index.cfm?fa=viewArticle&id=1350</a><br><br>