Ethiopia has more in common with China than its fast-growing economy
Both countries feel secure about their pasts and have a definite vision for their futures — both believe they are destined to be great, writes Tyler Cowen
Will Ethiopia become "the China of Africa"? The question often comes up in an economic context: Ethiopia’s growth rate is expected to be 8.5% this year, topping China’s projected 6.5%. Over the past decade, Ethiopia has averaged about 10% growth. Behind those flashy numbers, however, is an undervalued common feature: both countries feel secure about their pasts and have a definite vision for their futures. Both countries believe that they are destined to be great. Consider China first. The nation-state, as we know it today, has existed for several thousand years with some form of basic continuity. Most Chinese identify with the historical kingdoms and dynasties they study in school, and the tomb of Confucius in Qufu is a leading tourist attraction. Visitors go there to pay homage to a founder of the China they know. This early history meant China was well positioned to quickly build a modern and effective nation-state, once the introduction of post-Mao reforms boosted gross domestic...
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