The Politics of Economic Restructuring and Democracy in Africa Contributor(s): Iheduru, Obioma M. (Author) |
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ISBN: 0313308330 ISBN-13: 9780313308338 Publisher: Praeger OUR PRICE: $74.25 Product Type: Hardcover Published: June 1999 |
Additional Information |
BISAC Categories: - Business & Economics | Structural Adjustment - Political Science - Business & Economics | Development - Economic Development |
Dewey: 339.509 |
LCCN: 98-08234 |
Series: Politics of Economic Restructuring & Democracy in Africa |
Physical Information: 0.71" H x 6.4" W x 9.62" (0.98 lbs) 184 pages |
Themes: - Cultural Region - African |
Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
Publisher Description: In a bold attempt to develop an innovative theory of political change arising from dual economic and political transformations, Iheduru maintains that economic structural adjustment policies have unintended political consequences, leading to democratic liberalization in post-colonial African states. Using classical, dependency, and neoliberal approaches as a backdrop, he demonstrates that structural adjustment policies shaped by conditionality measures foster the operation of free-enterprise market forces. As a social consequence of the reform effort, winners and losers organize to protect their interests, first in the economy and later in the political arena. Thus the structural reorientation of African economies leads not only to the ascendancy of the market and economic growth but also to the political opening of the African state, thereby facilitating the participation of excluded groups. In conclusion, Iheduru predicts that structural adjustment is the best policy alternative for initiating and sustaining meaningful economic changes in Africa. Moreover, he claims, it may be a deciding factor in the possible democratizing of the African continent, which would provide an auspicious atmosphere for a properly functioning market economy. |