The Possibility of State Formation: The Experience of Botswana in a Theoretical Perspective

Abstract

This article examines the process of state formation in Botswana in the light of the major theoretical literature on the issue. It is argued that neither the geopolitical nor the fiscal theories of state formation can explain why the state in Botswana became so strong and effective. An alternative framework is outlined, in which state formation is seen as shaped by the relationship between states, regimes and social groups. The formation of a strong state in Botswana became possible because it was compatible with the interests of the ruling regime (politically as well as economically), and because the ruling regime had sufficient power to carry out a project of state strengthening.Cet article examine le processus de construction de l 0 É tat au Botswana, a`la lumie`re d 0 importants travaux the´oriques sur la question. Nous soutenons que ni les the´ories ge´opolitiques ni les the´ories fiscales sur la construction de l 0 É tat ne peuvent expliquer comment l 0 É tat, au Botswana, a tant gagneé n force et en efficacite´. Nous proposons un cadre diffe´rent dans lequel la construction de l 0 É tat est vue comme e´tant conditionne´e par la relation entre les É tats, les re´gimes et les groupes sociaux. La construction d 0 un É tat fort au Botswana est devenue possible car elle e´tait compatible avec les inte´reˆts du re´gime au pouvoir (tant politiquement qu 0 e´conomiquement), et e´galement parce que ce dernier avait suffisamment de pouvoir pour exe´cuter un projet de renforcement de l 0 É tat.