Aid and development in Taiwan, South Korea, and South Vietnam

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to explain the divergent developmental outcomes between South Korea, Taiwan, and South Vietnam. Whilst US aid has correctly been cited as key factor in explaining the rapid post-war development of South Korea and Taiwan, the ultimate failure to establish strong institutions in South Vietnam calls for a closer analysis of how differing historical and geopolitical factors explain the greater political stability and absorptive capacity of South Korea and Taiwan. In particular, divergent colonial legacies as well changing US policies towards land reform played a key role in the South Vietnamese state’s failure to quell internal opposition.

Citation

Gray, K. Aid and development in Taiwan, South Korea, and South Vietnam. UNU-WIDER, Helsinki, Finland (2013) 23 pp. ISBN 978-92-9230-662-5 [WIDER Working Paper No. 2013/085]

Aid and development in Taiwan, South Korea, and South Vietnam

Updates to this page

Published 1 January 2013