"Combining theory and country-specific case studies, Democracy, Governance, and Economic Performance demonstrates that political institutions and conditions do matter in economic growth. After establishing a theoretical foundation, Feng tests it by examining the direct effects of the three key political variables on economic growth and the indirect effects of democracy in terms of other variables (political in stability, inflation, investment, education, income distribution, property rights, and population growth). He concludes by considering the policy implications of these results."--Jacket.