This study examines the concept of economic security in the context of developing countries. Initially, it consolidates recent discussions on economic security, emphasizing the implication of the integration of economic and security aspects, and highl...
This study examines the concept of economic security in the context of developing countries. Initially, it consolidates recent discussions on economic security, emphasizing the implication of the integration of economic and security aspects, and highlights the emerging patterns of technological hegemony competition among major powers. However, such discussions face challenges when directly applied to the context of developing countries, attributed to political instability rooted in the post-colonial era governance, technological and economic underdevelopment, and global economic marginalization.
Nevertheless, developing countries strive not merely to conform to the global structures but to secure autonomy. The study focuses on the African continent, often mentioned only as a backdrop for major power competition, by investigating the mining sectors of South Africa and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). In the case of South Africa with abundant platinum reserves, it pursues a dual objective of maximizing national interests through Mining Charter and addressing lingering racial inequality in post-apartheid era through Black Economic Empowerment law. The DRC, recognizing China's substantial influence in the cobalt industry, aims to emphasize mining industry protection and sovereignty over resources through tax reforms, with the overarching goal of maximizing national interests.
Through these case studies, it becomes evident that developing countries are not disconnected from global discussions regarding the increasing nexus between the economic sector and national security. The paper elucidates that economic security is being debated in the contexts of 1) proclaiming resource sovereignty, 2) overcoming limitations in domestic governance. Unlike advanced countries, developing countries are establishing the concept of economic security with a focus on enhancing national autonomy and leveraging economic growth.