- Question
Are dictatorships effective for development?
International development is a difficult task in the best of times. Some people have argued that it is easier when the government is totalitarian. Often, what is required to 'develop' a nation is painful for the population. Is it better when they have less say?
Position 1 of 2
Read this position →Yes, dictatorships are effective for development
The position that authoritarian rule can deliver development more effectively, holding that it permits long-horizon planning, rapid decision and the imposition of costly reforms that electoral politics tends to delay, dilute or reverse.
Position 2 of 2
Read this position →No, dictatorships are not effective for development
The position that authoritarian rule is poorly suited to development, holding that unaccountable governments lack both the information and the incentive to serve the population, and that whatever gains they produce are fragile and unevenly shared.