Liberalization In The Developing World

This article discusses the success of liberalization strategies in Asia, Africa, and Latin America in the 1980s. It presents three models that correspond to the three continents, reflecting the level of state intervention in the economy and the success of liberalization policies. The article concludes that economic and political liberalization do not necessarily have to occur simultaneously, and that the role of the state is important in mobilizing resources for competing in the global economy.

This volume compares the success of liberalization strategies in Asia, Africa and Latin America during the 1980s. Three models emerge, corresponding to the three continents covered, which reflect the degree of state intervention in the economy and the success of the liberalization policies adopted. The conclusions drawn demonstrate that economic and political liberalization do not have to go hand in hand. On the contrary, the case studies presented in this volume show that the role of the state can be crucial in mobilizing both the human and capital investment needed to be able to compete in international economy.