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Democratizing the Developmental State

Hamza Delbar

Contact: hamzadelbar(at)gmail.com

Research Fellow, University of Cape Town

Dr. Hamza Delbar holds a PhD in Philosophy from Monash University, specializing in political science. His doctoral research, titled “Solving the Mauritian Developmental State Puzzle,” explores developmental state theory to explain the unique development of post-colonial Mauritius. Dr. Delbar aims to expand this research to examine the development journeys of post-colonial African states, focusing on how these nations navigate complex socio-political and economic challenges. His work combines political theory with practical insights to address key governance issues within the African context.

Research project

Democratizing the Developmental State: A Cross-Regional Comparative Analysis of Economic Nationalism, Political Strategies and Labour’s Role

This research proposal seeks to explore the complex dynamics of democratizing developmental states, focusing on the interplay between economic nationalism, political elite strategies, and the mobilization of labour and popular classes. Through a comparative analysis across different regions, the study aims to understand how these elements contribute to or hinder the democratization process in developmental states. By examining the tension between economic development policies and democratic governance, the research addresses critical debates on mobilization for democracy, the challenges of exclusionary regimes, and the trend towards autocratization. This investigation is poised to offer significant insights into the pathways through which developmental states can navigate towards more inclusive and democratic governance models, contributing to the broader discourse on political development and democratization in a global context.