The Road Oft Traveled: Development Policies and Majority State Ownership of Industry in Africa

by John J. Quinn

Overview

Many scholars of sub-Saharan Africa agree that inward-oriented development policies have hampered economic development in the region. Quinn questions traditional explanations for the low economic growth levels of sub-Saharan African countries by showing that majority state ownership of enterprise is a sufficient condition for inward-oriented policies and that this variable is a better predictor of such policies than other current explanations in the development literature. Supporting his observations through compelling case studies, Quinn offers a major statement that will be of interest to anyone concerned about African political and economic conditions and the future welfare of African peoples struggling to come to terms with the imperatives of a changing global economy.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780275975593
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	03/31/2002
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	256
Product dimensions:	6.20(w) x 9.10(h) x 1.10(d)

About the Author

JOHN James QUINN is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Truman State University, Kirksville, Missouri.

Table of Contents

Preface
Introduction
Background, Theoretical, and Statistical Arguments
The Impact of State Ownership of Resources on Inward-Oriented Development Policies
State Ownership and Development Policies: Four Matched Pairs
Case Studies in Development Policies: Kenya and Zambia
Case Studies in Development Policies: Nigeria and Zimbabwe
Case Studies in Development Policies: Zaire and Botswana
Case Studies in Development Policies: Congo and Ivory Coast
Conclusions
Implications for Income
Major State Ownership, Inward-Oriented Policies and Per Capita GDP: A Pooled Cross-Section/Time-Series Analysis
Implications for the Economic and Political Institutions of Sub-Saharan Africa and Conclusions
Likelihood of Implementing Economic Reforms: A Decision Model
Conclusions
Appendix I: Choice of Countries
Appendix II: Calculated Variables
Bibliography
Index

Editorial Reviews

Quinn (political science, Truman State U.) begins with background and definitions, then explores the major arguments for the three approaches to development: laissez-faire (non-state-led); state-led and outward-oriented; and state-led and inward-oriented. He uses a comparative case-study approach to illustrate how state ownership of the most productive economic resources is the best guide for predicting inward-oriented development policies. The consequences and implications of the findings are explored in depth, with a simple decision model included to assess the probable interests of various actors or groups in adopting reforms. The volume concludes with a substantial discussion of implications and conclusions. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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