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Democracy Assistance for Botswana: Maintaining the Status Quo in a Peripheral Capitalist Country

Author

Listed:
  • Kebapetse Lotshwao

    (Senior Lecturer in Politics in the Department of Political & Administrative Studies, University of Botswana)

  • Robert Imre

    (Senior Research Fellow at the Tampere Peace Research Institute, University of Tampere)

  • Jim Jose

    (Professor of Politics and International Relations in the Business School at the University of Newcastle, Callaghan)

Abstract

Given that Botswana is considered a stable democracy, the need for democracy assistance does not at first glance seem necessary. Yet, democracy assistance is an important feature of Botswana’s political regime. The rationale for democracy assistance is couched in terms of strengthening the country’s democratic institutions, enhancing the state’s capacity, and bolstering Botswana’s civil society. However, contrary to these stated objectives, this article reveals that democracy assistance serves the agenda of Western donor countries and certain multilateral institutions—an agenda concerned with keeping Botswana politically stable and its state institutions efficient so that the country is attractive to investors. This agenda is pursued at the cost of not making certain long overdue political reforms.

Suggested Citation

  • Kebapetse Lotshwao & Robert Imre & Jim Jose, 2019. "Democracy Assistance for Botswana: Maintaining the Status Quo in a Peripheral Capitalist Country," Journal of Developing Societies, , vol. 35(2), pages 205-229, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:jodeso:v:35:y:2019:i:2:p:205-229
    DOI: 10.1177/0169796X19843361
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. repec:bid:ecbook:40 is not listed on IDEAS
    2. Fabrizio Gilardi & Jacinct Jordana & David Levi-Faur, 2006. "Regulation in the age of globalization: the diffusion of regulatory agencies across Europe and Latin America," Chapters, in: Graeme A. Hodge (ed.), Privatization and Market Development, chapter 7, Edward Elgar Publishing.
    3. Peter Burnell, 2008. "From Evaluating Democracy Assistance to Appraising Democracy Promotion," Political Studies, Political Studies Association, vol. 56(2), pages 414-434, June.
    4. Peter Burnell, 2008. "From Evaluating Democracy Assistance to Appraising Democracy Promotion," Political Studies, Political Studies Association, vol. 56, pages 414-434, June.
    5. Roman Grynberg, 2012. "Coal Exports and the Diversification of Botswana's Economy," Books, Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis, number 40, december.
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