Publication

This paper discusses the political history and future of Botswana. The author describes how an impressive economic growth-rate, an ostensibly stable and liberal democracy, and high per capita purchasing power have traditionally allowed Botswana to be labeled the "African Miracle." The paper however also explains that Botswana's democracy has always been elitist, the government centralized, and the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) somewhat authoritarian. The author details the continuing trend of growing authoritarianism in Botswana politics and analyzes whether there is growing cause for concern regarding the country's political future.