Is There a Political Capacity for Developing Countries?

On crumbling state authority.   Benjamin Fogel is back on the podcast to talk us through how South Africa has gone from the hopes of post-apartheid to the Durban riots of 2021. How have corruption, criminal networks, Indian oligarchs, and political forces combined to shatter any sense of a national project? We also discuss the role of xenophobia and particularist and racial politics in today's South Africa.   Readings & Links:

• /27/ After Zuma ft. Sean Jacobs
• The insurrection in South Africa is about more than freeing Zuma, Benjamin Fogel, Al Jazeera
• Dons have KZN in their grip — and Don of Dons Jacob Zuma has the tightest grip, Chris Makhaye, Daily Maverick
• No two elephants are alike, Ryan Brunette, Africa Is A Country
• Rising vigilantism: South Africa is reaping the fruits of misrule, Landau & Misago, The Conversation