Those African regimes seeking to emulate the Chinese model should remember that real development starts at home, argues Senegalese writer Adama Gaye
Sports and politics rhymed perfectly as the organisation of
the Beijing Olympics confirmed China's global rise. And
the impressive harvest of medals won by China's athletes lends
credibility to claims that Beijing offers an alternative route
to economic and social development. China's international achievements
challenge the neo-liberal economic orthodoxy that has been dominant
since the end of the Cold War. This orthodoxy - called the 'Washington
Consensus' by economist Jon Williamson back in 1991 - now faces competition from Asia's success stories. Now, many developing countries, especially those in Africa, are tempted to follow what some call the 'Beijing Consensus'....
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