The new techno-economic regime and political development in Congo-Brazzaville globalization and political and socioeconomic restructuring

This study examines the impact of two factors of global structural change---neoliberalism and technological change---on the Congolese society, which resulted in political and socioeconomic restructuring. It highlights the interaction between global factors and the underlying historical, political and socioeconomic dynamics in Congo-Brazzaville. The study suggests that while global factors were crucial in inducing restructuring, local traditional references, the vestiges of socialism and the aspirations of the people for a better life were also important in determining the evolution of the restructuring process.; As a qualitative analysis of the Congolese case, this study recognizes that restructuring was not merely an implementation of IMF and World Bank-monitored structural adjustment programs, but it was influenced by historical circumstances.; By urging political and socioeconomic restructuring in Congo-Brazzaville, global neoliberal forces pushed for the establishment of a new political regime characterized by institutional accountability and political pluralism. This caused the end of the Marxist system and revitalized civil society, as the emergence of independent political and social organizations and private initiatives indicated. The demise of Marxism generated more decentralized socioeconomic structures outside the state, and gave rise to new organizational forms intended to enhance the efficiency and productivity of economic enterprises.; However, political and socioeconomic restructuring proceeded with difficulty. Throughout the 1990s, the new regime was dominated by conflicts reflecting ethnic antagonism, the personal interests of the political leadership and the slow pace of economic adjustment causing discontent among the population. In addition, a combination of factors contributed to impeding the decentralization of the new political order. These included persistent traditional ways, such as the hierarchical structure of new political parties, constant political instability, social unrest and strikes dismantling democratic institutions. This resulted in the 1997 civil war.; Despite the political crisis, the post-conflict era continued the restructuring process. This process must now take into account the evolution of political culture, which should espouse the nation and urge cooperation among political actors, rather than ethnic allegiances. It should continue the upgrading of socioeconomic infrastructures for economic productivity so that every group has a vested interest in the democratization process.