Explaining Botswana's success: the critical role of post-colonial policy

Most economists agree that private property, the rule of law, and free markets are crucial for economic development, but there is still disagreement over what other factors determine why some nations are rich while others are poor. By limiting themselves to the study of growth in a particular country, in this case Botswana, scholars can learn much about the process of development. Accmoglu, Johnson, Robinson (AJR)(2003) sought to explain why Botswana ended up with such good institutions, especially when compared with other African countries. Although AJR recognize the importance of good leadership in Botswana's successful development, good leadership seems to be a secondary factor. For AJR, a favorable institutional environment was the primary driver of Botswana's growth. This interpretation of Botswana's development places greater emphasis on policy rather than on early colonial institutions.