Synopses & Reviews
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.
Review
John James Quinn's book contributes to the literature on the political origins of Africa's development failures.APSANET.ORG
Review
The Road Oft Traveled tackles fascinating and important explanatory factors, and many of the ideas are essential for trying to understand the complexity of sub-Saharan African economies. The author has demonstrated with case studies that majority state ownership of either most industries or the entire major export-producing sector of a country is consistently associated with more inward-oriented economic policies that hamper a country's economic growth and development. The book will be helpful to students who want to study sub-Saharan African economics immediately after colonial rule, from th early 1960s until the mid-1980s. Africa's economic instabilities are the consequences of both external and internal forces. We must, therefore, examine Africa from both these lens. conclusionContemporary Sociology
Review
Sub-Saharan Africa stands out as the world's poorest and least developed region. Political scientists have long argued that political factors are largely to blame, and see Africa's economic woes growing out of distinctive government institution and inappropriate development policies.www.apsanet.org
Synopsis
Includes bibliographical references (p. [203]-227) and index.
Synopsis
Examines correlation between state ownership of economic resources in many African countries and low-income growth, inward-oriented development policies.
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