Publication Date

Spring 1986

Journal

Vanderbilt Journal of Transnational Law

Abstract

The article argues that the failure of economic development strategies in Africa is deeply intertwined with the denial of civil and political rights, particularly for the rural poor. It critiques the "economic rights first" approach, which prioritizes material needs over democratic participation, and contends that such an approach is both principled and practically flawed. The analysis emphasizes that without civil and political rights, development strategies like the Basic Needs Strategy (BNS) are unlikely to succeed, as they require equitable distribution of wealth and benefits, which undemocratic regimes often fail to implement. The article also examines the limitations of both Afro-Marxist and authoritarian regimes in addressing economic and social inequalities.

Volume

19

Issue

2

First Page

299

Last Page

330

Publisher

Vanderbilt University Law School

Disciplines

Environmental Law | Human Rights Law | Law

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