ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the cases of Tanzania, Nigeria and Zaire, which have exemplified various patterns of adjustment and approximate two patterns of state withdrawal. It presents very brief and perhaps unavoidably truncated case studies of the attempts of three states to make adjustments in their political economies. As a strategy, withdrawal from the state by individuals, groups or communities is predicated on the central assumption or conclusion that their lot in the state is gloomy or likely to be so in the future. Governments that feel the political system has undertaken state-centric economic strategies that are totally out of proportion with state resources, both human and material, may seek the path of withdrawal. Beginning with the Arusha Declaration, Tanzania has made a number of adjustments in its political economy. If Nigeria's Second Republic generated hope for democracy, the military coup detat of January 1984 gave rise to expectations for fresh adjustments in Nigeria's political economy.
