Don't be misled by De Soto's rhetoric; he attempts to paint a picture of the third world that ignores the ongoing exploitation of those countries by the first world. Understanding the plight of some of these nations requires delving into their history and critically examining their trade, diplomatic, and military relations with the developed countries. For an analysis which takes these factors into account instead of ignoring them, check out "Year 501: The Conquest Continues" by Chomsky.