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Modernization Vs. Dependency Theory Essays

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LDC Advisement: Modernization Theory vs Dependency Theory

The path to modernization is one never clearly defined. The following report will attempt to analyze and critique our nation’s potential options concerning social and fiscal policy and use this information in an attempt to recommend future policy agenda. We will be dealing with primarily two theories on national (i.e. LDC) policy - modernization theory and dependency theory. Both have their own sets of costs and benefits as well as they do policy approaches. But before we go further, we must compare the two in attempt to see if either would compromise our government’s mandate.

Currently our nation has found itself at a crossroads between the progress …show more content…

However, we must be careful to temper this zeal if we choose to embrace our cultural heritage, as it could (as above) kindle anti-western feelings and furthermore, if left unchecked could result in a radical-conservative challenge to our standing government.

These things being said, before we can hope to implement a successful economic program, we must first ensure that we can retain the support of the people in our endeavors. Significant economic progress may be difficult or impossible to accomplish if we cannot maintain internal stability. We need only to look to the status of the second world to recognize this fact. Open markets do not encourage western investment when coupled with uncertain governing bodies.

Considering now again the two base theories, we are faced with a decision to make concerning economic policy. Globalization will be the first practice we may consider. Essentially this involves a western-style model for the state - free-markets, easy transfer of goods and capital, western values/ideology. It is perhaps the most direct way to capture the attention of the west and accordingly - their investments. We may be able to more easily receive IMF approved loans as well and enjoy a bit of added regional security due to the increased vested interest of the west. The biggest problem with adopting this philosophy is

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