Decolonizing Development: Food, Heritage and Trade in Post-Authoritarian Environments

Post-Soviet Latvia and post-apartheid South Africa endured colonial and authoritarian rule before transitioning to democracy in the 20th century. This book examines their post-authoritarian efforts to decolonize production and trade, combining political economy and ecocultural heritage with world systems thinking and Indigenous knowledge to articulate a decolonial theory of development and change.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 28 November 2023
Publisher: Bristol University Press

Latvia and South Africa, two countries geographically distant yet sharing a common history of colonial and authoritarian rule, have undergone remarkable transitions to democracy at the turn of the 20th century. This book delves into a unique comparative analysis of post-authoritarian efforts to decolonize production and trade in these two nations. By combining an in-depth examination of political economy and ecocultural heritage, the book offers a comprehensive exploration of alternative trade formations. It also establishes a profound connection between world systems thinking and Indigenous knowledge, forging a decolonial theory of development and change that spans across long durations. The conclusions and insights drawn from this study are of utmost importance in the face of global crises such as authoritarianism, laissez-faire capitalism, climate change, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Latvia, a small country in Northern Europe, emerged from the shadow of Soviet rule in the early 1990s. It faced the daunting task of rebuilding a nation shattered by decades of communist dictatorship. However, Latvia's journey to democracy was marked by resilience and determination. The country's leaders recognized the importance of economic development and diversification to ensure its long-term stability and prosperity.

Latvia's post-Soviet economy was characterized by a transition from a centralized planned system to a market-oriented economy. The government implemented a series of economic reforms, including privatization, deregulation, and foreign investment, to attract foreign capital and promote economic growth. These measures helped to stabilize the currency, reduce inflation, and create job opportunities.

At the same time, Latvia's leaders recognized the need to address the legacy of colonialism and authoritarianism. The country's history was marked by the occupation of Latvia by the Soviet Union and the subsequent establishment of a communist regime. The government initiated efforts to promote cultural heritage, language preservation, and the recognition of minority rights.

Latvia's transition to democracy was also influenced by its geographical location. The country is situated on the Baltic Sea, which provides access to a vast market of European Union (EU) member states. This strategic location allowed Latvia to leverage its proximity to the EU to promote trade and economic cooperation with its neighbors.

South Africa, on the other hand, is a large country located in Southern Africa, with a rich history of colonialism and apartheid. South Africa's transition to democracy was marked by a long and arduous struggle against racial oppression and inequality. The country's first democratic elections were held in 1994, following the end of apartheid, which had been in place for nearly 50 years.

South Africa's post-apartheid economy was characterized by a transition from a racially-based system of economic control to a more inclusive and equitable system. The government implemented a series of economic reforms, including land reform, affirmative action, and the promotion of small businesses and entrepreneurship. These measures helped to reduce poverty, create job opportunities, and promote social cohesion.

South Africa's post-apartheid government also recognized the need to address the legacy of colonialism and authoritarianism. The country's history was marked by the exploitation of its natural resources, the displacement of its indigenous populations, and the perpetration of human rights abuses. The government initiated efforts to promote reconciliation, healing, and the recognition of the rights of marginalized communities.

South Africa's transition to democracy was also influenced by its geographical location. The country is situated at the crossroads. The country is situated at the crossroads of the African, Indian, and Atlantic Oceans, providing access to a vast market of African, Asian, and European Union (EU) member states. This strategic location allowed South Africa to leverage its proximity to the EU to promote trade and economic cooperation with its neighbors.

In conclusion, Latvia and South Africa, despite their geographical distance, have shared a common history of colonial and authoritarian rule. Both countries have undergone remarkable transitions to democracy at the turn of the 20th century. Latvia's post-Soviet economy was characterized by a transition from a centralized planned system to a market-oriented economy, while South Africa's post-apartheid economy was characterized by a transition from a racially-based system of economic control to a more inclusive and equitable system. Both countries recognized the need to address the legacy of colonialism and authoritarianism and initiated efforts to promote cultural heritage, language preservation, and the recognition of minority rights. Additionally, both countries leveraged their geographical locations to promote trade and economic cooperation with their neighbors. The conclusions and insights drawn from this comparative analysis are timely and important for a planet confronted by crises such as authoritarianism, laissez-faire capitalism, climate change, and the COVID-19 pandemic. By examining the experiences of Latvia and South Africa, we can learn valuable lessons about the challenges and opportunities of decolonizing production and trade and building sustainable and inclusive societies.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529224368