Military Expenditures and Socio-Economic Development in Africa: A Summary of Recent Empirical Research

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Periodical article

Title:	Military Expenditures and Socio-Economic Development in Africa: A Summary of Recent Empirical Research
Author:	Looney, Robert E.
Year:	1988
Periodical:	Journal of Modern African Studies
Volume:	26
Issue:	2
Pages:	319-325
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Africa
Subjects:	development public expenditure defence Economics and Trade Military, Defense and Arms Development and Technology Bibliography/Research
External link:	https://www.jstor.org/stable/161060
Abstract:	This research note focuses on the following questions: To what extent can the poor socioeconomic performance of Africa be attributed to military expenditures? Which sectors, if any, are the hardest hit? Are some countries more likely than others to suffer adverse effects? It argues that the old 'gun versus butter' dichotomy is not universally valid, and that the level, composition, and ultimate socioeconomic impact of military expenditures are greatly influenced by internal conditions, notably the effectiveness of a government in either meeting or containing the demands of citizens, and the degree to which it can count on them to comply with its policies. Notes, ref.