Gatekeeper State

Front 1

What is the 'Gatekeeper State'?

Back 1

State in which the government/head of state controls the narrow 'gate' through which imports and exports go in and come out

Front 2

Why is the gate important?

Back 2

• control of import-export is important and helps to consolidate power
• all colonial states were gatekeeper states
• can be dangerous: power was precious and those in power wanted to keep their power

Front 3

Drawbacks of GS

Back 3

• does not allow for normal economic, social and political development
• government scared of taking risks for fear of upsetting patrons or delicate balance of power

Front 4

Post-colonial GS

Back 4

• Botswana example of successful GS: because it didn't have the threat of withdrawal of patronage and support, it could focus on improving social and economic welfare (best improved since 1960s)
  
• other states not so successful: upon independence, most African leaders were tempted to just take over colonial apparatus and keep control of the lucrative gate for themselves
• thus most of internal Africa suffers from a lack of internal infrastructure and trade networks