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Explaining Africa's Growth Tragedy: A Theoretical Model of Dictatorship and Kleptocracy

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  • Yuan K. Chou
  • Hayat Khan

Abstract

In this paper, we construct a dynamic model of a kleptocratic dictatorship to explain sub-Saharan Africa’s dismal economic performance between the early 1970s and the mid-1990s. The dictator’s objective is to maximize a discounted stream of revenue generated through theft of the economy’s output by choosing the optimal expropriation rate and the size of the security force employed to enforce his rule. The model is used to evaluate alternative intervention options open to developed countries such as unconditional, conditional and selective foreign aid, financial and military assistance to rebel groups, as well as medical relief to combat the HIV/AIDs pandemic.

Suggested Citation

  • Yuan K. Chou & Hayat Khan, 2004. "Explaining Africa's Growth Tragedy: A Theoretical Model of Dictatorship and Kleptocracy," Department of Economics - Working Papers Series 922, The University of Melbourne.
    • Handle: RePEc:mlb:wpaper:922
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Hassan O. Ozekhome, 2017. "Does Democratic Institutions And Foreign Direct Investment Affect Economic Growth? Evidence From Nigeria," Oradea Journal of Business and Economics, University of Oradea, Faculty of Economics, vol. 2(2), pages 27-36, September.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Economic performance; dictatorship; foreign aid; Africa;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D78 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Positive Analysis of Policy Formulation and Implementation
    • O11 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Macroeconomic Analyses of Economic Development
    • O17 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Formal and Informal Sectors; Shadow Economy; Institutional Arrangements
    • O55 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - Africa

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