The term ‘wasta’ stems from the Arabic root for ‘middle’ or ‘medium' and describes the phenomenon of using ‘connections’ to find job, government services or other favors to circumvent bureaucracy or bypass the system as a whole. The effects of ‘wasta’ may be both positive or...

Accountability & Transparency: Cornerstones of Democratic Governance -- Will Ghana Avoid the resource Curse? -- Tackling Cultural Corruption -- Perceptions of Societal Corruption and Levels of Trust in Government -- Citizen Engagement in Fostering Democratic Governance in Rwanda --...

This book provides an economic analysis of various aspects of ‘market quality’, a new concept which emerged in the 21st century, using the tools of ‘oligopoly theory’ and ‘auction theory’ that evolved over the 19th and 20th centuries. In the economics literature the link between the...

This book discusses the elite capture taking place in the development programmes implemented through Grama Panchayats (GPs), the lowest tier in the rural local self-government structure in India. Inclusive growth being the cherished goal of all the developing countries, including India, the book...

Introduction: South-South cooperation: Africa on the centre stage / Renu Modi -- Part I. The concept, history and moving forward -- Part II. Economic dimensions of South-South cooperation -- Part III. Socio-political context of South-South cooperation

Drawing from the detailed case studies of India and five ASEAN countries, this volume establishes the complementary role of innovation system and trade regime in promoting production and use of ICT and draws lessons for other developing countries that adopted a liberal trade regime to catch up...

This book addresses the key challenges of balancing economic growth, poverty alleviation, and environmental protection in the development of major physical infrastructure, ranging from transport to energy

Food security is of vital importance to all nations, but particularly so in developing countries. Governments worldwide are seeking to liberalize agricultural trade, and to change their role from one of controlling trade and prices. Instead these governments seek new roles in encouraging market...