Politics of Development Concepts

Written response content

Main ideological paths

African socialism, scientific socialism, and state capitalism

African Socialism

Basic tenets

• Marxism with traditional African values (equality, humanism, co-operation, communalism)

Economic Development

• State control of private capital

• State-led economy: markets, imports/exports, banking

Political Development

• Limited pluralism: one-party state

Social Development

• Emphasize African traditions

• Creation of a classless society; celebration of rural masses

Example: Tanzania, Zambia

Scientific Socialism

Basic tenets

• Strict adherence to Marxist-Leninist philosophy

• Stronger link with Soviet Union (still had Western links)

Economic Development

• State control of private capital

• State-led economy: markets, imports/exports, banking

Political Development

• Revolutionary vanguard that would represent the interests of the workers.

• Limited pluralism: one-party state

Social Development

• Tolerant of religion

• Working class/peasant alliance

Examples: Ethiopia, Somalia

State Capitalism

Basic Tenets

• More supportive of neo-liberal approaches

Economic Development

• Private capital and small scale capitalism

• Promotion of international trade and foreign investment

Political Development:

• Limited pluralism: one-party state

Examples: Kenya, Nigeria

Reasons for Africa’s economic decline 1970-1990s

• Long-term (neo-colonialism):

  • Unequal exchange

  • Monocrop economies (29 countries depended on 1-2 main export products)

  • Poor economic management (“Crisis of Accumulation”)

• Short-term (economic volatility)

  • Reduction in commodity prices (less value of exports)

  • Significant increase in oil prices 1973, 1979

Early Debates about Foreign Aid Effectiveness

• Moyo (2009): Aid has been detrimental to growth, accountability and development in Africa and it needs to be phased out and replaced with market-based investment.

• Sachs (2014): Well-targeted aid, especially related to healthcare, has been effective and is needed to eradicate poverty and improve human development.

• Kabwe (2013): Accountable governance and effective resource mobilization is the key to African development, not dependence on foreign aid.

Post-2025 Foreign Aid Debates

• Opalo (2025): Pre-2025 aid model has ended permanently, aid distribution will be driven by geopolitical interests, only a few African countries can align aid with developmental priorities.

• Nweneli (2025): Cuts can promote new era of strategic partnerships where African countries can more effectively leverage their strategic assets and resources.

• Ogunmodede (2025): He disagrees with Newneli that Africa can effectively leverage its assets and resources, agrees with Opalo that African governments need to act decisively, but this is done through economic growth and state capacity expansion.

Reasons for Africa’s recent high rates of growth

• Managing economies better

• reduce debt

• less state intervention in the market

• telecoms revolution

• invested in education in health

• conflict decreased

Reasons for Africa’s recent high rates of growth (Steven Radelet)

• Democratic and accountable governance

• Improved economic policies

• End of debt crisis

• Reengagement with international community

• Spread of new technologies