From Capitalism to African Socialism in Tanzania and the DRC: The Future of Postcolonial Political Economy and Development.
Location
PANEL: Utilizing the Archive: Analyzing Economies, Reviving Art Forms, and Re-evaluating Systems
CELA Moffett
Document Type
Presentation
Start Date
4-26-2024 3:00 PM
End Date
4-26-2024 4:00 PM
Abstract
Although both Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo gained independence in the 1960s, the two countries’ histories and political economies are vastly different. It is evident that environmental responsibility, as well as state provision of education, water, food, housing, and healthcare, are far more critical for mental and physical well-being and societal fortitude than measures like Gross Domestic Product. Nothing short of a near-complete transformation of economic and social planning will suffice- both the decades-long violence in Congo and the disastrous consequences of current capitalist practices on the climate are striking reminders of this. Realism requires us to ask, however, how the current structures can be used as building blocks for the future, and which elements must be dismantled in full. This research applies the lessons learned from each country’s history to a dialogue between postcolonial political and economic theory. This dialogue exposes some perhaps difficult, yet unignorable truths: some of the effects of colonialism can not be undone, but can be transformed into true global positives- but the key to doing so has never lied in European or North American strategies. A balance must be struck between ensuring self-reliance and the ability to survive in the global market. In Tanzania, Julius Nyerere employed a socialist approach to development. He nationalized the country’s biggest industries, and sought to solve social problems by emphasizing the importance of education and collectivist principles. His strategies created the foundation for one of the most stable African governments today- yet, left the country vulnerable to interference from the International Monetary Fund the moment he stepped down from the presidency. Increasingly, Tanzania has focused on GDP growth over humanitarian goals. The dictator of the DRC, Joseph Mobutu, focused far less on the development of his country than he did on consolidating his power and staying in the good graces of the United States. To this day, Congo remains politically unstable and even the site of ongoing genocide. By looking at these two leaders’ economic policies, I determine which strategies are effective in creating stability and growth while inviting as little foreign attention as possible- all while forgoing GDP, and instead emphasizing measures closer aligned with the Human Development Index.
Keywords:
Political economy, Africa, Socialism, Development
Recommended Citation
Fournier, Amélie, "From Capitalism to African Socialism in Tanzania and the DRC: The Future of Postcolonial Political Economy and Development." (2024). Research Symposium. 19.
https://digitalcommons.oberlin.edu/researchsymp/2024/presentations/19
Major
History; Africana Studies
Award
Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship
Project Mentor(s)
Charles Peterson, Africana Studies
2024
From Capitalism to African Socialism in Tanzania and the DRC: The Future of Postcolonial Political Economy and Development.
PANEL: Utilizing the Archive: Analyzing Economies, Reviving Art Forms, and Re-evaluating Systems
CELA Moffett
Although both Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo gained independence in the 1960s, the two countries’ histories and political economies are vastly different. It is evident that environmental responsibility, as well as state provision of education, water, food, housing, and healthcare, are far more critical for mental and physical well-being and societal fortitude than measures like Gross Domestic Product. Nothing short of a near-complete transformation of economic and social planning will suffice- both the decades-long violence in Congo and the disastrous consequences of current capitalist practices on the climate are striking reminders of this. Realism requires us to ask, however, how the current structures can be used as building blocks for the future, and which elements must be dismantled in full. This research applies the lessons learned from each country’s history to a dialogue between postcolonial political and economic theory. This dialogue exposes some perhaps difficult, yet unignorable truths: some of the effects of colonialism can not be undone, but can be transformed into true global positives- but the key to doing so has never lied in European or North American strategies. A balance must be struck between ensuring self-reliance and the ability to survive in the global market. In Tanzania, Julius Nyerere employed a socialist approach to development. He nationalized the country’s biggest industries, and sought to solve social problems by emphasizing the importance of education and collectivist principles. His strategies created the foundation for one of the most stable African governments today- yet, left the country vulnerable to interference from the International Monetary Fund the moment he stepped down from the presidency. Increasingly, Tanzania has focused on GDP growth over humanitarian goals. The dictator of the DRC, Joseph Mobutu, focused far less on the development of his country than he did on consolidating his power and staying in the good graces of the United States. To this day, Congo remains politically unstable and even the site of ongoing genocide. By looking at these two leaders’ economic policies, I determine which strategies are effective in creating stability and growth while inviting as little foreign attention as possible- all while forgoing GDP, and instead emphasizing measures closer aligned with the Human Development Index.
