The State as Development Actor Flashcards
According to Hira, what three characteristics does a state have?
According to Hira, a state should have:
1) Monopoly over the means of legitimate force within a designated territory that it controls.
2) Recognition of its control by other states.
3) Support from the population when making public decisions.
Why can the definition of a “state” be problematic for developing countries?
The definition of a “state” can be problematic for developing countries as
States were largely carved out by European conquest via their divide and conquer.
There is a short period (compared to other states that have existed for hundreds more years) to forge national identity, mix and match of different populations, and get past the small privileged elite that controlled the masses.
Legitimacy or support amongst the population is often lacking (Which is seen as a requirement for a state).
Regarding the nature of states within previously colonized countries, what is the difference between the compradorial view vs. the weberian view?
The compradorial view believes that the state will always have ties to external interests and will end up being run by elites who are aligned with such interests.
vs.
The weberian view sees the state as rational-purposeful nationalism and believes that colonialism does not prevent the development of governments that are purposeful, rational and legitimate.
What are the three possible roles of the state within development?
1) An actor or agent: Such as collecting tax or implementation of development projects.
2) A facilitating actor: The creation of infrastructure that is necessary for development or policies put in place to ensure development can occur.
3) An obstacle: Such as “predatory” states where the goal is not to develop the state but rather increase the already great livelihood of their close elites.
What were the two purposes of the colonial state?
To manage interaction between international capitalism and local (pre-capitalist) production.
&
To manage the indigenous (local) population.
What two components of the developmental state does Mkandawire (2018) identify?
Ideological - economic development is a core mission of the state.
Structural - the state has the institutional, technical, administrative and political capacity to actually implement their desired development-oriented policies.
