Business and the State in Southern Africa: The Politics of Economic Reform - Hardcover

Taylor, Scott D.

9781588264985: Business and the State in Southern Africa: The Politics of Economic Reform

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 158826498X ISBN 13: 9781588264985

Publisher: Lynne Rienner Pub, 2007

Why are productive, development-supporting relations between business and government still so rare in Africa? Scott Taylor addresses this question, examining state-business coalitions as they emerge, and endure or collapse, in three representative countries: Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. Taylor illuminates three possible trajectories: an abortive state-business coalition, as in Zambia; the emergence of a short-lived coalition, as in Zimbabwe; and a relatively successful and thus far durable coalition, as in South Africa. Though rooted in the southern African experience, his cases reflect much of the variance in outcomes throughout sub-Saharan Africa and shed light on the prospects for economic reform and development on the continent. It explores why state-business coalitions emerge (or do not) in Africa, and why they endure or collapse, drawing on three representative case studies.

"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.

About the Author:

Scott D. Taylor is assistant professor of African studies at Georgetown University. He is coauthor of Politics in Southern Africa: State and Society in Transition.

Review:

This is a fine study, based on original field research and extensive interviews and unpublished material.... Taylor presents both a strong theoretical framework and compelling narratives. --Deborah Brautigam, American University

A fine and valuable contribution to our understanding of the important role each player (business and government) has in the region s potential for sustained economic growth and development. --Donald L. Sparks, African Affairs

An important political science contribution to newly arising debates about African economic policy.... With regard to Africa, it goes beyond Peter Evans now famous representation of embedded autonomy as the policy mode required to achieve effective economic governance. --Helmut Asche, Afrika Spectrum

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.