Publication

IDS Bulletin Vol. 18 Nos. 4

Evolving Economic Policies and Disinvolving States: Notes in an African Context

Published on 1 October 1987

Summary Summary This article challenges the view that economic liberalisation in African economies is a viable alternative to today’s overall management practices. Since these ‘liberalising’ reforms do not stem from demands expressed by domestic social groups, but derive almost mechanically from the change in economic policy instruments (viz. the emphasis put on financial targets), they are inadequate on at least three grounds: economic efficiency, inflation control and socio?political stratification. Resumen Resumen Políticas económicas en desarrollo y estados en involución. Notas en un contexto africano Este artículo desafía la posición que sostiene que la liberalizacíón económica de las economías africanas constituye una alternativa viable para los procedimientos actuales de regulación. Puesto que estas reformas ‘liberalìzantes’ no provienen de demandas de grupos socialies nacionales, sino que constituyen casi una derivación mecánica de cambios en los instrumentos de política económica, tales como el énfasis en los objetivos fínancieros, resultan inadecuadas al menos en cuanto a eficiencia económica, control de la inflación y estratificación sociopolítica.

Cite this publication

Fontaine, J.,?M. (1987) Evolving Economic Policies and Disinvolving States: Notes in an African Context. IDS Bulletin 18(4): 17-22

Publication details

published by
Institute of Development Studies
authors
Fontaine, Jean?Marc

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