🚻The relationship between developing and developed countries is a complex issue that has been the focus of much discussion and debate over the years. In many cases, developing countries are thought to be fundamentally different from their developed counterparts, and this belief is often cited as a significant obstacle to progress.

1️⃣One of the main problems with this line of thinking is that it fails to recognize the historical context in which modern countries have developed. It is true that many developing countries today are plagued by poverty, corruption, and political instability. However, it is also true that just a few hundred years ago, Europe was in a similar position.

↪️In fact, the poorest countries of the third world today are not materially worse off than Europe was in the 18th century. The difference is that Europe was able to build up a wealth of institutions that steadily improved governance and stewardship, while also preserving certain fundamental rights for people. This allowed for continued and rapid improvement to accumulate through the ages.

➡️It is a common misconception that the industrial revolution caused the first world to become wealthy, or that plundering of other states did. While these two actions may have helped to some extent, what really allowed Europe and later the Americas, Japan, Korea, and China to take off was the development of modern statehood.

↔️This idea of modern statehood refers to the development of a government that is able to provide public goods and services, maintain law and order, and promote economic growth. When a country has a functioning government that is able to do these things, it can create an environment in which businesses can thrive and people can prosper.

⬇️What's keeping the third world down, in other words, are their own actions. Many developing countries today are still struggling to develop modern statehood, and this is often due to political instability, corruption, and a lack of investment in public goods and services.

🗣️However, it is important to note that this is not simply a matter of individual choice. In many cases, the powerful leaders of developing countries have a vested interest in keeping things as they are. It is often easier to rule over semi-literate peasants teetering on the edge of hunger than it is to rule over hipster city-dwellers who demand more from their government.

🙆The issue of why many developing countries continue to struggle with political instability, corruption, and a lack of investment in public goods and services is a complex one. While it is true that individual choice plays a role in shaping the development trajectory of a country, it is also important to recognize the role that powerful leaders and elites play in shaping the course of a nation.

♻️In many cases, the elites in developing countries have a vested interest in keeping things as they are. This is because they benefit from the current system, which allows them to maintain their power and wealth at the expense of the broader population. It is often easier to rule over semi-literate peasants who are teetering on the edge of hunger than it is to rule over an educated and empowered population that demands more from their government.

🔄This dynamic is particularly evident in countries where there is a high degree of inequality. When a small group of elites holds a disproportionate amount of wealth and power, they are often able to use this power to maintain the status quo. This can take many forms, such as rigging elections, stifling political dissent, or siphoning off public resources for their own benefit.

🔷Moreover, when a country's elites have a vested interest in maintaining the status quo, they are often resistant to change. This can make it difficult for reform-minded leaders to implement changes that would benefit the broader population. In many cases, elites will use their wealth and power to undermine efforts at reform or to co-opt political opposition.

🔛While there are many examples of this dynamic playing out in developing countries around the world, it is important to note that it is not unique to the developing world. Even in developed countries, there are powerful interests that are resistant to change and that work to maintain the status quo. However, in developing countries, this dynamic is often more pronounced, as the power and wealth of elites is often more concentrated and less accountable to the broader population.

📝In order to address this issue, it is important to focus on building institutions that promote transparency, accountability, and the rule of law. This can help to limit the power of elites and to create a more level playing field for political actors. It is also important to work to empower civil society groups and other organizations that can push for change and hold leaders accountable.

⚖️Ultimately, addressing the issue of powerful elites in developing countries is a long-term project that will require sustained effort and commitment. However, by recognizing the role that elites play in shaping the course of a nation and working to build institutions that promote accountability and transparency, it is possible to create a more just and equitable society.

⛓️This is the real problem that the third world faces, and it is a difficult one to solve. Fortunately, there are signs of progress taking hold in many developing countries. With investment in public goods and services, improved governance and stewardship, and a commitment to modern statehood, these countries can begin to build a brighter future for themselves and their citizens.

🔜It is likely that this will take time, perhaps another century or two, but it is a goal worth striving for. By recognizing the historical context in which modern countries have developed and working to build a more just and prosperous world, we can help to create a brighter future for Africa.

➡️This Article was written by:
⬛Oha Michael Odinaka, Esq🔹
🔷Udomich Partners & Associates🔹
⚫Director at St. Joseph Comprehensive Schools🔹
🔄Editor at Uptownerd Publications↕️