An Introduction to our project

One of the greatest questions for policy makers to consider in the 21st century is the role democracy plays in the undeveloped regions of the world. At a time when the United States is attempting to rebuild authoritarian regimes into free market democracies, U.S. citizens must pause and view the implications such decisions have on the internal political equilibriums of developing nations. Malawi is an important lesson in understanding the role of democracy in developing a stable market and a free society.

After 30 years of one-party rule, the citizens of Malawi voted for multi-party democracy in June of 1993. In May of 1994, Bakili Muluzi of United Democratic Front (UDF) was elected President. Reforms under Dr. Muluzi included accelerated economic liberalization and structural adjustments that rocked the once relatively stable economic climate in Malawi. Since the referendum, Malawi has experienced a considerable downward decline in economic development. While democratic transition is not wholly to blame for the country’s decline, the problems associated with internal political demands often clash with long-term economic plans associated with the International Monetary Fund and global investors. Young democracies experiencing political openings without a solid economic footing often find it difficult to remain democratic. This project will attempt to gage the opinions of locals as to the direction they believe their country is heading and where it should move politically and economically.

This project will also focus on the recent famine. This will help us understand the problems associated with Malawi’s development decline. Malawi’s principal economic focus is export agriculture. In 2005, Malawi experienced a terrible drought that destroyed their principle crops, causing considerable food shortages and bringing the economy to its knees. This project seeks to put a human face to the situation in Malawi and help Americans understand the road-blocks developing nations are facing in attempting to build free societies.