Lynne Rienner Africa's Stalled Development: International Causes and Cures

This discussion of Africa's stagnant economies and civil disorders examines the dysfunctional incentives under which the continent's political and economic elites typically operate and offers a new way of thinking about Africa's development dilemmas and the policy options for addressing them. Weak states, personal rule and aid dependence, argue the authors, combine to create deep disincentives to development. Most often, these negative structural features are sustained by the nature of Africa's interaction with the rest of the international system; thus, the cure must come from a radical restructuring of that relationship. The specific, and decidedly controversial, prescription for change that is at the heart of ""Africa's Stalled Development"" should stimulate a much-needed debate. Review A provocative statement on the impediments to development in Africa and the challenges of reform. The authors offer a distinctive argument, weaving domestic and international factors into a coherent vision of change. - Peter Lewis, American University ""This carefully crafted and very readable book provides a set of refreshing perspectives on Africa's 'failed development,' leading to a range of important recommendations that neither scholars nor practitioners can ignore."" - Goran Hyden, University of Florida Synopsis This discussion of Africa's stagnant economies and civil disorders examines the dysfunctional incentives under which the continent's political and economic elites typically operate and offers a new way of thinking about Africa's development dilemmas and the policy options for addressing them. Weak states, personal rule and aid dependence, argue the authors, combine to create deep disincentives to development. Most often, these negative structural features are sustained by the nature of Africa's interaction with the rest of the international system; thus, the cure must come from a radical restructuring of that relationship. The specific, and decidedly controversial, prescription for change that is at the heart of "Africa's Stalled Development" should stimulate a much-needed debate. About the Author David K. Leonard is dean of international and area studies and professor of political science at the University of California, Berkeley (UCB). He has been working in and on Africa since 1983. Scott Straus, formerly a Nairobi-based journalist, is at present at UCB completing dissertation research on the Rwandan genocide.