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The Tanzanian state response to COVID-19: Why low capacity, discursive legitimacy, and twilight authority matter

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  • Amy S. Patterson

Abstract

Tanzania received significant global attention for its COVID-19 response during the first year of the pandemic. It did not share pandemic statistics, require masks, implement lockdowns, or close borders; it questioned testing and vaccine efficacy; and it emphasized traditional medicines as a cure. The country's response reflected a centralized, paternalistic state that emerged under postcolonial president Julius Nyerere and that stressed self-reliance and national unity.

Suggested Citation

  • Amy S. Patterson, 2022. "The Tanzanian state response to COVID-19: Why low capacity, discursive legitimacy, and twilight authority matter," WIDER Working Paper Series wp-2022-34, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
    • Handle: RePEc:unu:wpaper:wp-2022-34
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    File URL: https://www.wider.unu.edu/sites/default/files/Publications/Working-paper/PDF/wp2022-34-Tanzanian-state-response-COVID-19.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Rauch, James E. & Evans, Peter B., 2000. "Bureaucratic structure and bureaucratic performance in less developed countries," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 75(1), pages 49-71, January.
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    Cited by:

    1. Vincent Canwat, 2023. "Political economy of COVID-19: windows of opportunities and contestations in East Africa," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 10(1), pages 1-16, December.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Tanzania; Nationalism; State authority; State capacity; State legitimacy; Electoral authoritarianism;
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