Over the past decade, Ethiopia achieved rapid and stable economic growth, considered as a ‘miracle’ when compared to other Sub-Saharan African countries. Ethiopia’s average real GDP growth per...Show moreOver the past decade, Ethiopia achieved rapid and stable economic growth, considered as a ‘miracle’ when compared to other Sub-Saharan African countries. Ethiopia’s average real GDP growth per annum was estimated at 10.8% between 2003 and 2015 . In addition, Ethiopia succeeded in reducing its poverty rate by 21.8% between 2000 and 2011 . Classical development theories provide analytical tools to help outline traditional patterns of economic development. However, this paper will reveal that the EPRDF government defied generally accepted assumptions concerning processes of economic growth by establishing ‘the Ethiopian way of development’. The EPRDF ruling party fostered an environment for economic growth stability by focusing on original programmes and policies that developed infrastructures and improved access to basic services, expanded the commercialization of agriculture, and provided more opportunities for the private sector. The state’s development strategy was inspired by multiple economic and development theoretical elements. However, these concepts were adapted in an unprecedented manner in order to achieve Ethiopia’s development goals. This paper will complement this analysis by considering the influence of geographical and institutional factors on the economic growth of Ethiopia.Show less
Fidel Castro’s leadership and legacy in Cuba has been a fascinating and mystifying topic of matter in the field of International Relations. Much has been written and contended on how Fidel came to...Show moreFidel Castro’s leadership and legacy in Cuba has been a fascinating and mystifying topic of matter in the field of International Relations. Much has been written and contended on how Fidel came to be the charismatic leader of Cuba and how he was able to maintain staying power and achieve legitimacy. The concepts of authority and legitimacy are attributed to the phenomenon of leadership and development of a society. This thesis will look at the roles of society, of Cuba in the twentieth century, and discourse and visual elements in the social construction of charisma in Fidel’s leadership. In addition, there will be an overview of Fidel’s background and how the approaches of gender, age, class, and race facilitated the social construction of Fidel’s charismatic leadership and the social reality of Cuba. The theoretical framework of constructivism and the methodological approach of content analysis will be utilized in order to examine how Fidel go to be the charismatic leader of Cuba.Show less
