[dirtboy]

The good news is that Chinese and Indian farmers comprise three-fifths of the world's total, and have good prospects of eventual integration into the world economy. But that leaves more than a billion people at risk, mainly in Africa, Latin America and the Middle East.

Methinks he has it backwards here as well. Increasing agricultural productivity LEADS to freeing up workers to engage in industry. You can't work in a steel mill if someone isn't capable of growing enough food for both his family and yours.

What will keep poor countries poor are the corrupt kleptocracies running them.

[ZeitgeistSurfer]

Again, culture is dominant. The culture of the West and to a significant degree, the culture of Asia, allow economic dislocations to be turned into economic opportunities. The culture of Latin American and Africa cause them to turn into rage and resentment.