Natural experiments in history and Poland's economic development

This article offers a novel perspective on economic history, treating it as a space for conducting natural experiments. Instead of a collection of anecdotes, the authors present a methodology based on the analysis of perturbations and initial conditions, which allows for a reliable reconstruction of the cause-and-effect processes shaping the wealth of nations. The text thoroughly discusses the impact of political institutions, geography, and financial systems on the stability of states. Through the lens of historical shocks and reforms—from the Napoleonic era to modern 'start-up nation' strategies—the reader receives a comprehensive picture of the mechanisms determining the economic development of Poland and other societies. This is essential reading for those seeking a deep understanding of the evolution of economic systems and the role of exogenous development impulses in this process.