The Belgian Congo as a Developmental State

This book challenges assumptions that poor post-colonial economic performance is always a direct product of colonialism by reconsidering the Belgian Congo (1908-1959) as a developmental state. It encourages researchers and students to reconsider the dominant narratives within colonial history, development, and African Studies.

Emizet François Kisangani is Professor in the Department of Political Science and the Graduate Program in Security Studies, Kansas State University, USA.

1. An overview of the argument, 2. The Leopoldian State and economy of plunder, 3. Political order and rule of law in the Belgian Congo, 4. Belgian Congo and basic infrastructure for economic development, 5. Property rights and economic development, 6. Revenue imperative, state building, and economic development, 7. From Mobutu to Mobutu and hubris syndrome, 8. From an anarchic to a criminal state, 9. The Belgian Congo state in comparative perspective, Conclusion