Thomas Walter Scott was a newspaper owner and successful businessman before being elected to the House of Commons in 1905 as member for Assiniboia West. He became leader of the Saskatchewan Liberal Party by 1905 and premier of the new province. This biography covers the life of this respected political leader from birth through his political career to his retirement years, giving a picture of his labours in the fields of education, female suffrage, agriculture, and public policy whose fruits continue to be of influence in the province.

How nations can promote peace, prosperity, and stability through cohesive political institutions "Little else is required to carry a state to the highest degree of opulence from the lowest barbarism, but peace, easy taxes, and a tolerable administration of justice; all the rest being brought about by the natural course of things." So wrote Adam Smith a quarter of a millennium ago. Using the tools of modern political economics and combining economic theory with a bird's-eye view of the data, this book reinterprets Smith's pillars of prosperity to explain the existence of development clusters—places that tend to combine effective state institutions, the absence of political violence, and high per-capita incomes. To achieve peace, the authors stress the avoidance of repressive government and civil conflict. Easy taxes, they argue, refers not to low taxes, but a tax system with widespread compliance that collects taxes at a reasonable cost from a broad base, like income. And a tolerable administration of justice is about legal infrastructure that can support the enforcement of contracts and property rights in line with the rule of law. The authors show that countries tend to enjoy all three pillars of prosperity when they have evolved cohesive political institutions that promote common interests, guaranteeing the provision of public goods. In line with much historical research, international conflict has also been an important force behind effective states by fostering common interests. The absence of common interests and/or cohesive political institutions can explain the existence of very different development clusters in fragile states that are plagued by poverty, violence, and weak state capacity.

Is democratic governance good for economic prosperity? Does it accelerate progress towards social welfare and human development? Does it generate a peace-dividend and reduce conflict at home? Within the international community, democracy and governance are widely advocated as intrinsically desirable goals. Nevertheless, alternative schools of thought dispute their consequences and the most effective strategy for achieving critical developmental objectives. This book argues that both liberal democracy and state capacity need to be strengthened to ensure effective development, within the constraints posed by structural conditions. Liberal democracy allows citizens to express their demands, hold public officials to account and rid themselves of ineffective leaders. Yet rising public demands that cannot be met by the state generate disillusionment with incumbent officeholders, the regime, or ultimately the promise of liberal democracy ideals. Thus governance capacity also plays a vital role in advancing human security, enabling states to respond effectively to citizen's demands.

The empowering masterpiece From Poverty to Power written by James Allen unveils a transformative roadmap that leads readers from the depths of scarcity and struggles to the heights of prosperity and inner peace. Through this profound literary work, readers are invited to embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal empowerment. By aligning their thoughts and actions with the principles shared within these pages, individuals can transcend poverty—both external and internal—and manifest a life of prosperity, peace, and genuine fulfillment. From Poverty to Power is a testament to the extraordinary capacity of the human spirit to rise above adversity and manifest a life of abundance. It is a book that empowers, enlightens, and serves as a guiding light on the path to personal transformation and the realization of prosperity and peace.

"Rob Severson allowed me to laugh with and at myself more than any other human being, but always with a little life lesson to be gained." -Dean E. Johnson, Former Minnesota State Senator "Rob has a genius for expressing profound truths in simple ways, and there is much wisdom to be gained from the reading of this book." - Dick Amundson, CEO of Tentmakers "I really admire the way Rob has transposed his life experiences into something of value to others." - Mike Conley, Chairman and CEO of Conley Family Foundation Connecting Peace, Purpose & Prosperityis a practical and faith-based approach to finding success in life by addressing the issues of control, faith, and keeping the doors open to opportunity. Written with candor and humor directly addressing the author's daughters and granddaughters, this is also for anyone making their career start, or for those who are embarking on life-changing turns toward a better future. Rob Severson has run a successful financial consulting business for over 18 years. When not working or volunteering, Rob enjoys traveling with his family, playing golf, making new connections, and trying on new hats. He lives with his wife Judy in Deephaven, Minnesota. www.robseverson.com

John Maynard Keynes, then a rising young economist, participated in the Paris Peace Conference in 1919 as chief representative of the British Treasury and advisor to Prime Minister David Lloyd George. He resigned after desperately trying and failing to reduce the huge demands for reparations being made on Germany. The Economic Consequences of the Peace is Keynes' brilliant and prophetic analysis of the effects that the peace treaty would have both on Germany and, even more fatefully, the world.