We are saddened to hear of Thandika Mkandawire's death this week. He was a giant in economics, political economy and development studies. To honor his life and work, we revisit parts of the inspiring & important legacy he is leaving behind. 1/10
Mkandawire's critique of neopatrimonialism is key for understanding the limits of mainstream perspectives on African institutions. In this interview w/@NimiHoffmann, he shows why it can't explain political arrangements or economic outcomes. 2/10
tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.108…
tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.108…
Mkandawire was the first to explore the idea of Developmental States (DS) in Africa. In this seminal essay he busts several prevalent myths about why DS can't succeed in Africa, laying the groundwork for thinking about the potential for African DS. 3/10 academic.oup.com/cje/article-ab…
Mkandawire's contribution to development econ and social policy was rooted in a critique of euro-centrism. He wrote about social policy in a development context by focusing on the rediscovery of poverty in national and international policy discourse 4/10 researchgate.net/publication/26…
Mkandawire critically analyzed knowledge production and shifts in ideas in Africa. This question remains pertinent for decolonizing Econ: "Was it the invisible hand at work in "marketplace of ideas,” or was it the visible feet of economic interests?" 5/10
researchgate.net/publication/26…
researchgate.net/publication/26…
Mkandawire was also an early critic of structural adjustment programs in Africa. In this paper he unpacks how and why the financial policies associated with SAPs were so detrimental across the continent. Those lessons continue to ring true. 6/10
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.100…
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.100…
In addition to being a path breaking researcher, Mkandawire was an important institution-builder. He was instrumental in shaping @CODESRIA from the beginnng, along with Samir Amin and others, and he was its Executive Secretary from 1985 to 1996. 7/10
Mkandawire later went on to lead @UNRISD, where he demonstrated that transformative social policy was closely linked to the structures of production and capital accumulation, not just welfare payments and redistribution. 8/10 unrisd.org/unrisd/website…
Mkandawire was also a compassionate teacher & colleague. Have a look at this beautiful and moving thread written by his former colleague @balootiful. She also shares some thoughts on his latest (unpublished) book project. 9/10
Finally, we leave you with a recent interview with Thandika Mkandawire by Kate Meagher, published by @DevandChg just last year: Reflections of an Engaged Economist: An Interview with Thandika Mkandawire.
May you rest in power ✊
10/10
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.111…
May you rest in power ✊
10/10
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.111…
