I think the reason it's supposedly controversial is because it implies some sort of inferiority on the part of the government of the poor nation, that they're n

I think the reason it's supposedly controversial is because it implies some sort of inferiority on the part of the government of the poor nation, that they're not "good enough" to manage their own affairs. Judging by the reception Romer is getting from some 3rd world country leaders, at least some don't see it this way.