Developmental States: Their Historical Absence and their Emergence in Post Conflict Southern Africa

ABSTRACT

Did Southern African states have the developmental focus to make their countries rich? My hypothesis is that a clear focus on making the country rich (with networked infrastructure, effective and functioning technology, functioning health and educational systems, high national income, diversified economy) would dictate that the priorities of the state be ordered in a certain way. My argument is that most Southern African states were historically not properly focused on making their countries rich. My other argument is that most of them are slowly shifting their focus towards making their countries rich.

Keywords:

Rich country, abundant natural resources, developmental states, Cultural Studies, Southern Africa states, post colonial states, post cold war..