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The Myth of the Poverty Trap

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May 13, 2025

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In 1981, an estimated 44 percent of the global population lived in extreme poverty. In 2019, that number shrank to just 9 percent. We often think of poverty as a trap, but recent research shows it doesn’t have to be. The economist and co-founder of GiveDirectly, Paul Niehaus, explains how extreme poverty fell over the past 40 years and how it could be eliminated for good.

Further reading:

“How Poverty Fell () ,” by Vincent Armentano, Paul Niehaus, and Tom Vogl

“How Progressives Froze the American Dream () ,” by Yoni Appelbaum

One Illness AwayWhy People Become Poor and How They Escape Poverty () , by Anirudh Krishna

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Guests & Subjects Covered

GiveDirectly Paul NiehausHow Poverty FellVincent Armentano Paul NiehausAmerican DreamHow They Escape PovertyAnirudh Krishna Get

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The Myth of the Poverty Trap · The Atlantic · Sentinel