Elites and Economic Policies in Indonesia and Nigeria, 1966-1998

Abstract

This study analyses why Indonesia and Nigeria experienced contrasting development trajectories from 1966 to 1998, despite their similar socio-economic and political conditions. During this period, Indonesia was more successful than Nigeria in managing economic development. What did the Indonesian government do to successfully manage the economy that the Nigerian government did not do? Why did policy elites in the two countries choose different policies while facing similar economic challenges? The analysis focuses on these two questions. First, it examines the economic policies that led to the diverging economic performance of the two countries. Second, it examines potential factors that might explain this contrast in policy.