Last Wednesday, I attended the Becker-Rose Café series talk given by Professor Nicolas van de Walle from the Department of Government. His area of expertise is on how politics affect the economic development of countries, especially those in Africa. I learned a great deal about the economic status of many African countries. Professor van de Walle gave a great summary of the context and development their economies. I also picked up on some interesting facts. Ethiopia is among the few African countries that were the least or not colonized. Its economy is growing at a faster rate than the US economy, but it still very much resembles the economies of African countries that were colonized.

There was something that Professor van de Walle mentioned that stood out to me. Countries, such as the US, are quick to try and aid foreign countries, like many of those in Africa, by developing their agricultural and other natural resources. It is usually perceived that this along with monetary aid will alleviate many of the stresses that developing countries face. However, these countries overlook the internal obstacles that a developing country faces, which often stem from the country’s political instability. In the case of the African countries that Professor van de Walle talked about, this also involves a great deal of political corruption. One example he gave was in Cameroon where certain food products are not allowed to be imported into the country unless it is for special occasions and holidays. In past Rose Café talks, political instability has been a common theme.

It is also a recurring question of whether or not countries, like the US, overstep boundaries by getting involved in other countries’ affairs. I think that more developed countries have good intentions in trying to give developing countries a boost, but it does get a little murky when developed countries’ own economic interests are involved.

My hope is to become more cognizant of foreign affairs. We should want to help all countries advance and be in a good place globally. Though, I believe that we need to be mindful of every aspect of a country’s inner workings, especially the well-being and livelihood of its people. When we forget this, we forget the true purpose of our efforts.