Economic development and geopolitics: a tale of two regions

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss aspects of successful and unsuccessful development experiences in southeast and southwest corners of Asia.

Design/methodology/approach

It provides historical background to practices, strategies and policies adopted by policymakers in both of these regions. It identifies factors that a successful development cannot do without.

Findings

The paper concludes that geopolitics can inspire and exploit religion and ethnicity to impede LDCs' development.

Originality/value

Examines the process of development from a practical standpoint in two different areas in Asia: first, Malaysia, Taiwan and South Korea, and, second, Iraq, to identify factors that development cannot be successful without.

Citation

Salih, T.M. (2005), "Economic development and geopolitics: a tale of two regions", International Journal of Social Economics, Vol. 32 No. 10, pp. 857-867. https://doi.org/10.1108/03068290510618498