My intellectual development has been shaped by several key figures in economic thought. Notably, Douglass North, a Nobel laureate, has greatly influenced my understanding of the role of institutions in economic progress. I have also learned from Paul Collier, whose works address the challenges faced by modern Africa, and Hernando de Soto, who explores property rights in his well-known book. Their insights into how legal and economic frameworks affect development have been pivotal in shaping my perspective.

Moreover, the comparative economic analysis of legal systems by Andrei Shleifer and his collaborators has provided a valuable lens through which to study the interplay between law and economics. Additionally, Jim Robinson and Daron Acemoglu's inquiry into the reasons behind national success or failure has resonated with my own research interests. In "The Great Degeneration: How Institutions Decay and Economies Die," Niall Ferguson underscores the critical link between institutional health and economic vitality, reinforcing the importance of strong institutions in achieving prosperity.