Stateless Commerce: The Diamond Network and the Persistence of Relational Exchange - Faculty Author Celebration

Join Professor Barak D. Richman, Edgar P. and Elizabeth C. Bartlett Professor of Law and Business Administration for a celebration and discussion of his new book from Harvard University Press, "Stateless Commerce: The Diamond Network and the Persistence of Relational Exchange." Based on nearly 20 years of study and interviews, Richman takes an in-depth look at the diamond trade, examining the tight ethnic, social, and familial networks that make it "the paradigmatic example of a stateless economy." While the modern world rests heavily on lawyers, courts, and state coercion, ethnic merchants regularly sell goods and services by relying solely on familiarity, trust, and community enforcement. Professor Jack Knight, Frederic Cleaveland Professor of Law and Political Science will lead the discussion. Lunch will be provided. Sponsored by the Goodson Law Library and Office of the Dean. For more information, please contact Melanie Dunshee at dunshee@law.duke.edu.