Weak Rule of Law, Political Instability and Violence in the Greater Horn of Africa: What Role on the Economic Development?

Abstract

This paper examines the association between the economic development and the levels of rule of law, political instability, and violence in the Greater Horn of Africa. Employing a descriptive-comparative
methodology, the study analyzed trends of the data of the countries for the period starting from 2015 to 2019. The study found a positive association, where, on average, lower economic development was associated with weak rule of law, violence and political instability. On the contrary, improved economic development was associated with improved levels of rule of law, political stability and absence of violence.
Based on these results, the study recommends adoption of public policies that can empower institutions, including promoting the rule of law and maintaining a favorable levels of political stability and absence of violence to stimulate the economic development in the Greater Horn of Africa.
Keywords: Rule of law, political instability, violence, economic development, Greater Horn of Africa.