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  4. June 2002
  5. States and Power in Africa by Jeffrey I. Herbst: A Review Essay

Journal of Economic Literature

ISSN 0022-0515 (Print) | ISSN 2328-8175 (Online)

States and Power in Africa by Jeffrey I. Herbst: A Review Essay

  • James A. Robinson
Journal of Economic Literature
vol. 40, no. 2, June 2002
(pp. 510–519)
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Abstract

Herbst argues that Africa is plagued by "state failure" to provide certain public goods in society, such as law and order, defense, contract enforcement, and infrastructure. Herbst has provided a bold, historically informed theoretical analysis, essential reading for economists interested in comparative institutions and development.

Citation

Robinson, James, A. 2002. "States and Power in Africa by Jeffrey I. Herbst: A Review Essay." Journal of Economic Literature, 40 (2): 510–519. DOI: 10.1257/002205102320161357

JEL Classification

  • O17 Formal and Informal Sectors; Shadow Economy; Institutional Arrangements