Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/323713 
Authors: 
Year of Publication: 
2025
Citation: 
[Journal:] South African Journal of Economics [ISSN:] 1813-6982 [Volume:] 93 [Issue:] 2 [Publisher:] Wiley [Place:] Hoboken, NJ [Year:] 2025 [Pages:] 171-182
Publisher: 
Wiley, Hoboken, NJ
Abstract: 
Rwanda is among the fastest‐growing economies in Sub‐Saharan Africa, often discussed in the context of a ‘development state’. This paper examines whether Rwanda can be classified as a ‘developmental dictatorship’, a term closely associated with South Korea. It compares Rwanda's development under Paul Kagame (2000–2024) with South Korea's under Park Chung‐hee (1963–1979). Although both countries share similarities in their developmental preconditions and the motivations of their leaders, their policies differ significantly. Park Chung‐hee focused on industrialization through Five‐Year Plans, whereas Kagame emphasizes creating favourable business conditions. Consequently, South Korea has achieved significant wealth, whereas Rwanda remains a Less Developed Country, though both exemplify successful ‘developmental dictatorships’.
Subjects: 
developmental dictatorship
developmental state
Park Chung‐hee
Paul Kagame
Rwanda
South Korea
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Creative Commons License: 
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Document Type: 
Article
Document Version: 
Published Version

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