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Introduction (explanation of background)
Economic development is a multi faceted proposition. In order to relate the process of economic development to that of democratisation, it will be necessary to understand what sort of economic cycle the country in question moves upon. It will also be necessary to gauge the varying degrees of democratisation and understand the economic and political circumstances that they foster. ...
Nigeria is one of the worlds most culturally diverse nations, with over 250 separate ethnic groups. ...
Nigeria’s economy before colonialisation was traditionally based on agriculture and trade- this changed profoundly in the 19th Century when British rule was enforced, and moreso with the discovery of huge oil reserves in 1957. ... As we will see in more detail, the fortunes of Nigeria are bound tight to OPEC decisions on production levels of its main export. While clear examples of economic development can be identified in this period, it is unsure whether there are sufficient levels of benefit nation wide to suggest a link between it and the transition to democratic rule. ... Coupled with endemic corruption, it has seen much of Nigeria’s infrastructure fall into disrepair, ranging from health services to the state of machinery on Oil pumping sites. ... In 1979 democratic elections were held and won by Shehu Shagari and his National Party Of Nigeria. The country was at the time undergoing another period of extended, very strong economic growth as a result of buoyant world crude prices. This was soon to end however, and again similar problems emerged based around economic difficulty and ethnic tensions, which led to the military taking over once again in 1983 after flawed elections in 1983 saw Shehu returned to power. ... Varied experiences with the IMF and World bank over the past decade have left Nigeria in an all to familiar position, finding difficulties attracting foreign investment, maintaining government infrastructure and establishing any kind of improved health system for its nation.
In an effort to determine the effects of economic development on democratisation we will attempt to draw conclusions from the relevant economic data and analyses which relate to the period 1993-2003. ...
Explanation of Hypothesis and definition of key terms
That "Economic Development results in democratisation" is a hypotheses in need of clear and distinct definition. Not only are we required to define what elements we will examine to determine economic development, but we must discuss the fact that democratisation is in fact an on going process which holds democracy as its result. ...
Economic development is sometimes defined in its most simple terms as a rise in the GDP and GNP of a particular country. ... Nigeria is a nation of extremes- where an enormous amount of capital is earned from their main export, crude oil, but so few have access to those funds, and so little of those funds seem to find their way back into areas where the country needs them most. For this analysis, we must examine broader figures and let them be the determinants of economic development. ... These will include Governmental policies and actions regarding Fiscal policy, Monetary policy, Privatisation of State assets, and other impediments to development such as local unrest, inability to comply with IMF/World bank procedures.
Democratisation refers to a process of building a democracy following the collapse of a non-democratic regime. ... As a final result, this may be sufficient, but in terms of helping us gauge where in the process of democratisation a nation is, if at all, this definition is not sufficient. ... Thought not all of these elements will be appropriate to Nigeria, overall they will provide us with a reliable scale upon which to base our judgements when the economic development elements have been examined. ...
National Wealth- appear helpful to the cause of democratisation. ...
Support of Private Enterprise- a reflection of another hypotheses that economic freedom means political freedom.
Approximate Word count = 3145
Approximate Pages = 12.6
(250 words per page double spaced)
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