Botswana: The Political Economy of Democratic Development

At a time when analysts speak despairingly of a lost decade of economic development in Africa, Botswana stands out as an example of successful economic performance. Indeed, Botswana attained the highest rate of economic growth in the world during the period 1965-1985; moreover, it did so as a multiparty liberal democracy, albeit one dominated by one political party. The authors of this book examine Botswana's performance to date, seeking to understand the factors that account for its exceptional status and investigating problem areas that might endanger its achievements. They conclude by considering Botswana's prospects within a changing Southern Africa.