Terms Flashcards
Civil Society
NGOs and civil institutions that manifest the will and interest of the people.
How it relates: Key feature of the good governance agenda which promotes the flourishing of civil society –> seen as a solution to corruption and authoritarianism by rolling back the state and promoting free market capitalism. WB left this term undefined - vague concept which is key in their discourse.
Debt
Debt is the amount of money borrowed by one party from another.
How it relates: Many African states have been in debt since the OPEC crisis of 1972. During the oil boom of the 60s and (early) 70s the WB and IMF offered cheap loans but then had to recall them when the crisis and following recession (80s) hit. The effect was that the loans became practically impossible to pay back. More loans were required to pay back the loans, leading to the era of SAPs (loans with conditionality). The debt crisis has been a key factor in shaping the histories of newly independent African countries such as Zambia.
Structural Adjustment
Loans with conditions attached. Liberalisation of the economy (free market). Reduction/rolling back of the state (neoliberal idea/privatisation). Emphasis on promoting agriculture for development actually led to worsening terms of trade as SAPs were promoting the same for all countries (high supply). SAPs were created so that countries could pay back debt - indifferent to the social and political consequences. Carried out in one size fits all manner. Undermining sovereignty. Reduce public spending. Devalue currency. Remove tarrifs on imports
Decolonisation (definition, when, why)
Definition: The removal of colonialism when a country gains its political independence
How it relates: Decolonisation occurred predominantly after WWII (1956-66) due to external and internal pressures - it was largely peaceful. The USA pressured Britain to give autonomy to its colonies. Internal African nationalists pushed for independence. Colonies began to cost more - Allied powers weak after war. Prevention of communism (Cold War).
Decolonisation created many legacies - debt and political violence (ethnic divisions),
Monocrop economy
Definition: an economic legacy of colonialism. The basis for the economy relies on a particular primary good (e.g. coffee).
How it relates: Asymmetric terms of trade, Africa was integrated into the world market but in a subordinate position. Reproducing colonial power relations in the neo-colonial era. Primary goods created less money than manufacturing. African countries were selling primary goods to their previous coloniser to then buy it back in a different form at a highly inflated price.
One-party State
Different from military rule. A state where a single political party maintains a monopoly on power.
How it relates: Uganda and Eritrea. Many African states became one-party states during decolonisation. Justified in terms of uniting the country and creating the stability/consistency needed for development. Argue that multi-party states create competition and detract from the public good. In reality this has led to widespread corruption due to lack of gov accountability and has lowered living standards in African states.
Personalisation of rule. No dissent allowed. Dominations of institutions of particular ethnic groups.
Settler Colonialism
Definition: a type of colonialism that seeks to replace the original inhabitants of the lands with with new settlers. Land = main resource
How it relates: This occurred in Kenya. It made decolonisation much more difficult and more likely to occur violently than in non-settler colonies. Mau Mau uprising (1952-56) was violently suppressed by British troops. The White Highlands were the most fertile land in Kenya and were given to white farmers –> creating discontent and resent. Land disputed in decolonisation era.
Good governance
1989 emergence from WB- Political democracy and civil society = key to underdevelopment. Accountability, transparency, civil society, small state. Idea that Development was hindered by corruption which resided in the state. Again one size fits all. Only deals with legal rational bureau. state –> reality much different.
Based on ideology
Alternative: ‘best fit’ not best practise. Developmental patrimonialism, centralised rents.
Postcolonialism
Definition: a continuation of colonial relations and hierarchies. More focused on cultural and political legacies and the hybridity of culture and identity colonialism created.
How it relates: The main writer on this is Edward Said’s Orientalism. He criticises the cultural representations created by imperial powers about their colonies. Presenting an image of western superiority and Eastern inferiority. The ongoing effects of colonialism
Neopatrimonialism
Definition: a system of social hierarchy were patrons use government resources to gain the loyalty of clients. There is a formal public/private distinction but is de facto ignored.
How it relates: In Africa this has created personal rule and long-standing presidents that are able to stay in power due to the vast resources they command. The creation of shadow economies. It is a hybrid form of government that combines Weber’s patrimonialism with aspects of the legal rational bureaucratic state.
Development
This is an idea of Development as an activity to achieve progress. Increased economic potential, living standards, and freedom.
How it relates: Eradication of poverty. Development is the key way through which Africa is engaged with. The World Bank and IMF have been key in shaping the way Development is carried out (loans) and thought about.
- Modernisation theory (Rostow) - economic growth will lead to development
- Dependency theory (Frank) Marxist
- Neo-liberal dev. theory - invisible hand of market
- Post-development/Alternative dev. (Rist) - rejects dev logic, instead produces underdeveloped.
Military rule
A type of authoritarian regime whereby the military as an institution holds power.
How it relates: During the 1960s and 70s there was a wave of military coups in many African states, particularly those in Sub-Saharan Africa. Justification as being a neutral player - able to bring unity as the military is often comprised of differing ethnic groups.
Neopatrimonialism
Definition: a system of social hierarchy were patrons use government resources to gain the loyalty of clients. There is a formal public/private distinction but is de facto ignored.
How it relates: In Africa this has created personal rule and long-standing presidents that are able to stay in power due to the vast resources they command. The creation of shadow economies. It is a hybrid form of government that combines Weber’s patrimonialism with aspects of the legal rational bureaucratic state.
Links with development and corruption- usually seen as detrimental (insecurity of business –> lack of investment)
Rentier state
A state that gains the majority of its revenue from the sale of natural resources (e.g. oil) to an external power
How it relates: Nigeria case study. Little/no taxes –> less accountability as the government does not owe the public anything. Leads to the shrinking of other sectors as oil is the focus - leading to foolish investment of gov resources. Creates violence and insurgency due to the marginalisation it creates.
Rentier state
A state that gains the majority of its revenue from the sale of natural resources (e.g. oil) to an external power
How it relates: Nigeria case study. Little/no taxes –> less accountability as the government does not owe the public anything. Leads to the shrinking of other sectors as oil is the focus - leading to foolish investment of gov resources. Creates violence and insurgency due to the marginalisation it creates.
