Globalization is the process where all aspects of society become more interconnected. It is a process that does not happen all at once, but has occurred rather quickly. Globalization has affected both poor and rich countries in positive and negative ways (Johnston 2011). Within the globalization framework, economic systems are interconnected, state authority is oftentimes undermined and people can connect easier than ever (Johnston 2011). For the purposes of this particular research paper, it is important to discuss two aspects of globalization: undermining of state authority and interconnected economics. These concepts are important because Africa has undergone the process of globalization and neoliberal economic policies. This process has affected state authority, as many African states were weak to begin with. State authority in Africa was undermined through the use of structural adjustment programs (SAPs). These policies were instituted by IFIs in exchange for development loans (Nugent 2004). Generally, these policies were not popular in Africa. Despite the unpopular nature of SAPs, they were still agreed to across most of the African continent. There was no other choice available to African states. Powerful western states, which control most IFIs, set the neoliberal agenda that was forced on weaker countries (Nugent 2004).
Uganda was able to make it through the implementation of SAPs with the same regime in tact, overall macroeconomic growth and a decrease in absolute poverty. This did not happen without some hesitation. Neoliberal economic policies have a few common themes. This is a market-based approach that calls for the rolling back of state spending (Haque 1999). Social programs are slashed, state owned industries are...
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...tion ensured the strength of the Museveni regime and the ruling NRM party. Competing opinions did not contend for power. Also notice that neoliberal economic policies were instituted from the top down. The process of privatization was heavily controlled by the regime (Mwenda & Tangri 2005). This was important in order for the regime to maintain control, as public industries reinforced NRM power. Neoliberal reforms call for the reduction of the state. In Uganda the state actually grows showing the strength of state bureaucracies (Mwenda & Tangri 2005). At the same time, more emphasis has been placed on the LCs to act as a buffer between the citizens and the central government (Dicklitch 1998). NGOs were also co-opted into the national development plan, which lessened the negative effects on globalization by providing welfare programs the state was unable to provide.
War-ravaged Sierra Leone had trouble maintaining order, many still unclear what type of government they were living by. For years, the government of Sierra Leone had “made repeated commitments to...
In an article entitled “Resisting and reshaping destructive development: social movements and globalizing networks”, P. Routledge describes neoliberal development, “Contemporary economic development is guided by the economic principles of neoliberalism and popularly termed ‘globalization’. The fundamental principal of this doctrine is ‘economic liberty’ for the powerful, that is that an economy must be free from the social and political ‘impediments,’ ‘fetters’, and ‘restrictions’ placed upon it by states trying to regulate in the name of the public interest. These ‘impediments’ - which include national economic regulations, social programs, and class compromises (i.e. national bargaining agreements between employers and trade unions, assuming these are allowed) - are considered barriers to the free flow of trade and capital, and the freedom of transnational corporations to exploit labor and the environment in their best interests. Hence, the doctrine argues that national economies should be deregulated (e.g. through the privatization of state enterprises) in order to promote the allocation of resources by “the market” which, in practice, means by the most powerful.” (Routledge)
The Demographic Profile of the Country Ethiopia is located in the north-eastern portion of Africa. It is a landlocked country, commonly known as the Horn of Africa. The country is split diagonally by the Great Rift Valley. The western highlands get the most precipitation, while the lowlands and eastern highlands are arid. Ethiopia has three different climate zones that change with elevation:
"Uganda - African Economic Outlook." African Economic Outlook - Measuring the Pulse of Africa. 06 Nov. 2011. Web. 12 Dec. 2011. .
Uganda is a nation located in Southern Mid-Africa, and is ruled by Lt. Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. The LRA, also known as the Lord’s Resistance army, is a rebel group active in Uganda and the countries around it and was originally created by the woman Alice Lakwena (Lakwena). The group was known as the Holy Spirit Movement then and was mainly created, because Lakwena stated that she had a dream where the Holy Spirit told her to overthrow the Ugandan government, whom were mistreating the Acholi people in Uganda at the time. The movement gained much support and when the Ugandan government won a battle between the movement and itself Lakwena was exiled. This was when Joseph Kony (Kony), stepped in saying he was Lakwena’s cousin and that he was taking over. Kony renamed the movement the LRA, but due to particularly violent tactics many people began to leave the LRA and it was rapidly losing support. This then led the LRA to start using child soldiering, and raid many villages and kill or mutilate many people. Despite what some people believe, the LRA is still a deadly group that uses child soldiering, and human trafficking and continues to threaten Uganda and its neighbors today.
It is thought-provoking, in the sense that Africa’s need for foreign created a race to the bottom, much like what Pietra Rivoli described in The Travels of a T-Shirt in the Global Economy. Due to some African states’ reliance on foreign aid in order to mine and profit on their resources, they allow business standards to be lowered and for Chinese firms to tip the contracts moresoever in the favor of Chinese firms. This lowers the potential earnings of African states by lowering royalty rates, for example. Additionally, Burgis’ research was thorough and transparent. When he did not receive a response or if his questions were dodged, he made it obvious to the readers. Sure, some could view this book as too anecdotal to be used as a credible source of Africa’s situation. However, this is due to the nature of the system Burgis is writing about; after all, they are shadow states for a reason. Some readers will be saddened by this text, others angry, most curious to learn more, but above all, everyone will be intellectually stimulated and
Makwana, R. (2006). Globalization: neoliberalism and economic globalization. Retrieved April 05, 2014, from Share The World’s Resources website: http://www.stwr.org/globalization/neoliberalism-and-economic-globalization.html
Despite the many obstacles that Uganda’s people must overcome, this extraordinary country has a rich history filled with remarkable traditions and devastating conflicts that give it the distinct character it has developed over time.
The overriding challenge Uganda faces today is the curse of poverty. Poverty, ‘the lack of something”(“Poverty.”), something can be materials, knowledge, or anything one justifies as necessary to living. Associated with poverty is the question of what causes poverty and how to stop poverty? The poverty rate in Uganda has declined from the year 2002 from the year 2009, which shows the percent of residents living in poverty has decreasing. Yet, the year is 2014 and the poverty rate could have drastically changed over the course of five years. One could assume the poverty rate would continue to decrease, which would be astounding and beneficial, but does poverty ever decrease enough to an acceptable level or even nonexistence? Poverty is a complex issue that continues to puzzle people from all across the globe. Poverty could possible be a question that is never truly answered.
How Europe Underdeveloped Africa by Walter Rodney, was one of the most controversial books in the world at the time of its release. The book seeks to argue that European exploitation and involvement in Africa throughout history. This is the cause of current African underdevelopment, and the true path to the development is for Africa to completely sever her ties with the international capitalist economy. Rodney describes his goal in writing the book in the preface: “this book derives from a concern with the contemporary African situation. It delves into the past only because otherwise it would be impossible to understand how the present came into being and what the trends are for the near future” (vii). Rodney writes from a distinctly Marxist perspective by arguing that the inequalities inherent in European capitalism and required exploitation of certain countries in order to sustain capitalism.
Over the past five years, Uganda’s education system has proved both effective and successful. Although in the process of further development, it has nonetheless served as a model for many developing African countries. The Ugandan government, with President Yoweri Museveni at its forefront, has determined primary education to be one of the major channels toward poverty eradication and as a vital resource for economic and social development. The Ugandan government has made a national commitment to eradicate illiteracy and educate its citizens through the 1997 initiative, Universal Primary Education (UPE). All levels of government, the private sector, grass-root organizations, local and international non-governmental organizations (NGO’s), community and church leaders, international aid agencies, and international governments have been major players in Uganda’s universal primary education policy and continue to structure the policy in ways to benefit Ugandans, while simultaneously protecting their own interests. Unfortunately with such an enormous national commitment and the underlying interests of the many contributors, there were many shortages in the realistic policy as experienced by Ugandans. I argue that these shortages, which ultimately affect the quality of primary education, can be linked to inadequacies in the deliberations, monitoring, evaluation, and feedback of Ugandan education policy; once these areas are reformed, a more comprehensive education system can be re-established.
Clearly, the country of Uganda is growing despite the many challenges it has faced over the years. From being a country of many spiritual trials to becoming a country where many missionary nurses would like to go Uganda has a come a long way. Although the people of Uganda are viewed as poor in the eyes of the world, they are spiritually rich in more ways than anyone can imagine. Now around most of Uganda is Christian and “Christianity is the largest religion.” (“Uganda.” Operation World)
...tries. These ideas were discussed in lecture on February 16th, 2011, as well as explored in Manfred B. Steger's, Globalization: A Very Short Introduction, and I.B. Logan and Kidane Mengisteab's article, "IMF – World Bank Adjustment and Structural Transformation in Sub-Saharan Africa." Instead of globalization as a positive system for SSA, it did the opposite, and made the region stagnant in economic terms. It was about expanding relationships among countries, but adjustments were creating barriers that prevented SSA from economic communications with other countries. Therefore, it contributed to colonialism after World War II; colonial powers were able to indirectly control what SSA could do, and whom they were able to contact. The World Bank as a financial institution affected SSA's economic industry, and was partly responsible for the control colonial powers had.
Idi Amin reestablished the relationship with Buganda and caused conflict with the United States and Israel. Both countries provided Uganda with economic and military aid. Amin moved against the army and ordered all Asians to leave the country. The Asian population played an important role in trade, business, and finance; ordering them out severely hurt the economy. Gradually, Idi Amin's rule became brutal and tyrannical. During the 1970's over 300,000 Ugandans were killed. Amin also declared himself president and claimed portions of Kenya. The following year, he ordered Ugandan military forces to invade Tanzania. However, Tanzania attacked with a counter invasion driving the Ugandan military out. Idi Amin fled the country. Idi Amin's rule posed political and economic problems for the country. After he fled, the political portion of Uganda had to be reevaluated.
Political greed, the greatest challenge to Africa’s democracy Uganda inclusive is political greed. Presidents in some African countries want to rule for life and extend the patronage to their family members. This greed has led to manipulation of parliaments, constitutions for example according to Uganda’s constitution of 1995; the president had only 3 terms of office. However when Uganda’s president term expired in 2005, he bribed members of parliament with 5millions Uganda shillings to scrap off presidential term limits without holding a referendum and it succeeded. This was a great blow to Uganda’s democracy and contempt of the