The developmental state: An illusion in contemporary times

Abstract

It has unanimously been acknowledged that state activity in the market was one of the key factors
which facilitated the rapid growth of Japan and the East Asian tigers (Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong,
and South Korea), hence this essay assesses the applicability of utilizing this model to induce
development in contemporary times. It analyzes the various ideological, political, and economic
changes that have occurred, arguing that the context aspiring developmental states face is vastly
different than that faced by the successful Asian developmental states. Factors discussed include the
ideological shift from imbedded liberalism to neoliberalism; the evolution of the structure and rules
governing international trade; and the Cold War context which resulted in states enjoying more room to
act in their economies’. The newly coined ‘Beijing Consensus’, and the consequences of China’s rapid
growth are also elaborated on.