Fragile by Design is a groundbreaking book that uncovers the hidden forces behind banking crises and scarce credit in various countries.

By examining the political and banking history of the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, and the UK through several centuries, Calomiris and Haber reveal how coalitions of politicians, bankers, and other interest groups form, endure, and shape policies that determine who gets to be a banker, who has access to credit, and who pays for bailouts and rescues.

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding why banking systems vary so much across countries and the profound consequences for economic development and social welfare.