Neopatrimonialism

Question 1

Who are the main pro- neopatrimonial theorists?

Answer 1

Chabal and Daloz

Bayart

Question 2

Who are the main anti- neopatrimonial theorists?

Answer 2

Nugent
Meagher
(De Sardon)
(Mbemba)

Question 3

What are the main pro- neopatrimonial theories?

Answer 3

Chabal and Daloz: lack of individualism, reciprocity, greed

Bayart: African political behaviour rooted in a moral economy of trickery

Question 4

How does Nugent critique Chabal and Daloz’ neopatrimonial theory?

Answer 4

Nugent: criticises: C+D unverifiable generalisations, blind faith in institutions as a remedy, colonial hangover and subsequent adjustments, pseudo-state theory, unnatural borders

Question 5

How does Meagher critique Chabal and Daloz’, and Bayart’s neopatrimonial theory?

Answer 5

Meagher: C+D essentialist, racist, unverifiable
Meagher: Bayart: dramatisation of speculative culture, obsessed with occult and religion, focus on ‘perversities’
Meagher also widely criticises the academic motive behind neopatrimonialism (aimed at publishers and Western audiences)

Question 6

What are Mbemba and de Sardon’s comments on neopatrimonial theory?

Answer 6

Mbemba: epistemic violence - destruction of knowledge and values
de Sardon: critique C+D and Bayart: exotic stereotyping, arbitrary, generalisations, hypocritical (French horoscopes)

Question 7

What are the main pros for using a cultural explanation for neopatrimonial theory over a strict social scientific method?

Answer 7

Pragmatic neopatrimonialism

It does include some colonial/postcolonial explanations

Question 8

What are the additional cons (beyond theorists mentioned) for using a cultural explanation for neopatrimonial theory over a strict social scientific method?

Answer 8

Scholarship focusses on isolated incidents of breakdown of central authority (Liberia, Sierra Leone, Somalia)
Ignores instances of states trying to fight neopatrimonialism (Zambia: centralised authority prevention backfired and made things worse) (Zimbabwe: rejected IMF imposing SAPs so money was given to ‘favourable’ groups)

Question 9

What are case studies for neopatrimonial theory?

Answer 9

‘pro’: Liberia, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Nkrumah (Ghana), Rwanda (pragmatic - 2% decrease in poverty)
con: Zambia (backfiring anti-corruption centralised authority), Zimbabwe (rejection of IMF led to funding of ‘favourable’ groups)

Question 10

What are arguments for pragmatic neopatrimonialism?

Answer 10

Nkrumah’s (Ghana) downfall as a result of failing to get tribal/chief support
Universal governance unnecessary (Van der Walle blames poor fiscal policy)
When regulated and productive can be positive (Rwandan state invests in private business - resulting 2% decrease in poverty each year)