Post-clientelist Initiatives

Abstract

Something fundamental has been changing in parts of the developing world. Many senior politicians have begun to de-emphasize the distribution of patronage (goods, services, funds and favours) through networks of clients. Political scientists call patronage distribution ‘clientelism’, and it has long been a crucial – often the crucial – element in politicians’ efforts to cultivate support. But in recent times, a significant number have increasingly turned to ‘post-clientelist’ initiatives – to programmes and policies that are substantially or entirely protected from people who seek to siphon off resources for use as patronage.