ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the several problems facing all developing countries and explains why each of those problems is so difficult to solve. It discusses the various policy options of developing countries and explores the developing countries’ problems with specific reference to the cases of China, Venezuela, and Uganda. The chapter considers some of the problems facing developing countries in choosing and maintaining social, economic, and political systems and analyses the full range of possibilities open to developing countries. The central problem facing nonindustrial nations is what might be called the political consensus problem. Political consensus means sufficient political order and government efficacy so that the leaders of the state are able to rule. African countries have experienced the slowest growth among developing countries in recent decades, and a major reason for this is political instability. The biggest recipient of US foreign aid is Israel, and that aid has been provided based on blatantly political motives.
