Consider Julius Nyerere,W first President of Tanzania, praised for his principles but who brought economic disaster on his country, and with it great suffering. In his farewell speech, commenting on his economic policies, he said "I failed. Let's admit it."[1]
Compare SukarnoW and SuhartoW, the first two presidents of Indonesia - the first a much-loved leader who led his nation to independence, and then through much turmoil and into a stagnant economy; the second widely regarded as brutal and corrupt, but who, followed some of the advice of his (Friedmanite?) advisors, a group of technocrats nicknamed the Berkeley Mafia,W led Indonesia through many years of growth.[2]
The Dutch government instituted a number of programs[verification needed] - in particular the Ethical PolicyW - which were intended to improve the welfare of the native Indonesians,[3] but these were plagued with problems and in many way made things worse and placed restrictions on the freedom of the colonial subjects.
Modern aid programs (and to an extent welfare policies in wealthy nations) are often criticized for being ineffective or even causing harm.
Notes
- ↑ Karl Maier; Into the House of the Ancestors; New York Times; 1998
- ↑ It must be noted though that even on economics he had many failings. It is said that he did not follow some advice on liberalization of the economy that would have interfered with the business interests of his family and cronies, and these were probably major contributors to the 1998 monetary crisis and the economic problems which continue to plague Indonesia even now in 2008.
- ↑ though of course without stopping the exploitation and control by the Dutch.