Week 9 disc Soc300 - Essay Example

Military Regimes and Third World Economies Sociology Military Regimes and Third World Economies The majority of military regimes are negative as most military leaders camouflage their power hunger and corruption with messages of democracy and liberty. Numerous have military regimes have resulted in economic down turns in third world countries. Burma was under military rule from 1988 until 2011. During this period the country’s economy was at its lowest rate and the least free in Asia. The majority of all companies were either partially or fully owned by the government.

The market rate under the military rule was approximately 200 times below the government set rate. In 2007, Burma was rated the most corrupt country in the world. The high corruption rates were largely to blame for the country’s dismal economy. Burkina Faso was under Thomas Sankara’s military rule from 1983-1987. Sankara implemented policies to dissolve the wealth of the elite and distribute it equally among all citizens. The land and real estate was divided between the citizens and lands in the city area were used to build housing for the community.

Sankara attempted to create an agrarian based economy for Burkina Faso. Despite dissolving the elite’s wealth, Sankara supported private owned business, assisted in improving infrastructure and created special economic zones. Nigeria is also another third world country that has experienced its fair share of military rule. The oil rich country’s military rule was also dominated by lack of economic freedom and corrupt leaders. This resulted in poor economic growth during these regimes. The main difference between the negative and positive regimes lies within the leaders themselves.

Since military regimes usually eliminate any political challengers they have unopposed control over the country. The policies they implement and their level of honesty is what determines if the regime will be successful or not.