A political culture is a distinctive and patterned form of political philosophy that consists of beliefs on how governmental, political, and economic life should be carried out. It creates structures for political change and unique to other nations and groups. This is different to political ideology (Clark & Hoffman-Martinot, 1998). The late twentieth century has seen an unparalleled expansion of international capital. After years of competing blocs and capital restrictions, the floodgates have broken, and private investment has poured across political borders as never before. The commercial revolution was a period of rapid output growth, urbanization, population growth and technological innovation that affected the global economy. With the various contributory factors in the world economy such as globalization (Drainville & Sassen, 2003; International Labor Review, 2005), international trade agreements, economic cooperation, and technological advancements, it could be assumed that the world economy today is flourishing. But what is happening now is the other version of the story. With the emergence of different human conditions and overpopulation (Caldwell & Schindlmayr, 2002), political turmoil and instability, terrorism, and increase of oil prices, the world economy at present is slowing down but never ceases to recover its strength.
As a person who is an active participant of the society, aware of the background and current standings of the branches of the state, consumer of products, and contributor to the economy itself, I can say that indeed the global economy is deteriorating. However, notwithstanding the existing worldwide conditions affecting the world economy, I recognized the efforts of concerned world leaders and economists in improving its state. Therefore, we are at risk of economic crisis.
In a report released by the National Institute of Economic Review (2005), the global economy slowed down from 2004’s hectic GDP increase of 5.1 percent. Back in the year 2000, the global economic growth is characterized into two descriptions: “its staggering size and acceleration when compared with developments in previous centuries and its uneven distribution among different countries and regions of the world” (World Economic Outlook, 2000). After this economic milestone, the global economy demonstrated no signs and symptoms of development and progress due to some consequences of its immediate take off such as the war and the terror activities happening worldwide. The Committee for Worker’s International (CWI) (2003) reported that “the world economy is on the edge of a prolonged period of stagnation”. It also indicated that even before the incident of war in Iraq, the United Nations predicted "an escalation into military action would have even more profound negative economic consequences". As such consequence, the war speeds up the worsening of the global economy.
The three world’s leading economies – the US, Japan and Germany, are all either in or hovering on the threshold of recession (CWI, 2003). The United States of America in particular, the world’s largest economy, shows signs of slowing economy as the index of U.S. leading economic indicators fell due to oil price hike and slower job creation this year. Consumers are now deeply concerned about high energy bills and lagging employment according to a consumer survey (Torres, 2004).
Meanwhile, amidst these economical drawbacks, the global economy is still viable. The global efforts in reviving its once-upon-a-time strong and powerful stature are still workable. For example, the Organization de l'Unité Africaine was the most significant result of Pan-Africanism and established to promote unity, development and solidarity and international cooperation of African States, eliminate all forms of colonialism, and serve as the collective voice for the continent’s sovereignty. It was formed at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on May 25, 1963 but disbanded on July 9, 2002 by the last chairman South Africa Thabo Mbeki and replaced as African Union (The Columbia Encyclopedia, 2004). One of the main reasons and probably the most important reason that lead to colonization of Africa by colonial powers like Europe are the acquisition of lands for the expansion of their territory and world politics (Harris, 1914). Another reason is because of its natural resources and potential for world trade.
Sub-Sahara Africa was the last region left untouched by imperialist. However, it was eventually colonized by Europe’s ruing elites in some reasons such as civilization and trade (Rodney, 1973). The effect of colonization to Black Africa is the advent of development and civilization. With the presence of free trade, the world opens its doors for Sub-Saharan region.
Colonization is undeniably influential to the history of Africa. Colonization changed a significant number of aspects such as economy, politics, and other geographical and historical aspect. Furthermore, colonization also introduced new combination of races (Pakenham, 1991). With colonization, almost everything was change but still several of the African cultures and traditions remained the same and will always be their identity.
African nationalism was formed to unite Africa and for recognition of tribes and establish their own states and preserve its native culture. By this objective which is also the biggest factor, they want to fight against colonialism. They utter a loud cry for self-determination. The abolition of slavery is a reason because it is a source of alienation from their ancestors, their heroes, the fruits of their labor, and most significant, themselves (Gordon, 2003). The Africans are not effective and did not achieve their goals because of the fact that the countries that colonized them possess all the means to suppress their freedom. The long, uninterrupted and undisputed colonial rule of European powers is still present. Now, Africa is open in the pursuit of absolute freedom and social progress amidst the various dilemmas affecting their continent.
To build economic alternatives to a capitalist system, we need to transform some or all of these characteristics. For example, establishing co-operatives or community-owned firms is an alternative to the capitalist pattern of ownership. If we create a system which produces for people's needs and not for profits we are also challenging capitalist relationships. Or making sure that everyone receives a basic income instead of depending on wages alone, will also change the nature of a capitalist economy.
We already have some alternatives to a completely capitalist economy in South Africa. Government provides education -- production is not for profit and the service is not sold on a market. So if we can recognize and protect the alternatives we already have in South Africa, then we are making an important step in developing a socialist economic strategy.
Difficulties with Alternatives
But we mustn’t think that any alternative to capitalist economic relationships will automatically be better. For example, the apartheid government established many economic arrangements which were not capitalist but which led to widespread poverty and racially-based oppression. Our alternative must develop a system which benefits the people, and does not simply develop a system which is non-capitalist.
Think of gender relationships and household labor. Production in the household meets many basic needs (e.g. childcare, health care, care for the sick and elderly). Household production does not directly generate profits and often it does not involve a market exchange. Therefore, in many respects, household production is an alternative to a capitalist system. But this production relies on the unpaid labor of women. And it places women and children at high risk for poverty, so it is not a socially desirable alternative.
State Ownership and Control
State ownership and control -- in which the government becomes the dominant player in the economy – has been a key issue in ideas about alternatives to capitalism. The state can intervene to ensure access to basic goods and services, to create a more equal distribution of income, and to lower the rate of unemployment.
But if the state controls all this, it won’t necessarily produce these outcomes. For example, the state could act in its own interest and discount the interests of the public. The state could also exploit workers just as a capitalist exploits workers.
So when we look at alternatives the key test is -- do these economic relationships have desirable social and economic outcomes? Governments can play a major role in such an alternative system, but they might form one part of a more complex, and more socialist, economy.
Conclusion
If we want to develop an alternative economic strategy we must analyze very carefully:
- what alternatives already exist which can lay the foundation for a future socialist society
- whether the alternative that we propose will provide what people want, if it will benefit the people. If it sounds socialist but it is not satisfying people’s needs then it is not a desirable alternative.
Essay (review of literature)
A comparative economic analysis of international economic integration in Africa 1250 words - 5 pages
The paper should concentrate on literature review of the topic. It should just have an introduction and the literature review of the topic.
Harvard
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