In this world, there are many countries that were once developed but gradually became underdeveloped and impoverished.
This kind of change is usually due to the comprehensive effect of various factors such as history, politics, economy, etc.
South Africa: Rise and Fall Due to Racial Discrimination
South Africa, located in southern Africa, although has a considerable number of white people, the majority of black people have long been oppressed by white people.
The development history of South Africa is closely related to the discovery of diamonds and gold.
In 1867, South Africa accidentally discovered its first diamond on the banks of the Orange River, and subsequently discovered more diamond deposits near Kimberley.
The discovery of diamonds and gold promoted South Africa's industrialization process, but these dividends mainly flowed into the hands of a few white people.
White people in South Africa have implemented a policy of racial segregation to ensure that poor white people stand on the same front as themselves.
This policy was not officially abolished until 1991.
Although this policy has helped South Africa achieve industrialization to a certain extent, it has also led to extremely uneven regional development, a significant gap in status between black and white people, and triggered a black resistance movement.
Argentina: The Difficulty of Democracy Becoming Populist
The development process of Argentina is more complex. In the early 20th century, Argentina was an important exporter of agricultural and livestock products in the world.
However, after a series of political and economic changes, Argentina gradually became an international joke.
The strong feudal landlord power and the lagging political system have led to the backwardness of production relations.
Argentina attempted to learn from the multi-party and democratic system of the United States, but failed to adapt to its national conditions.
The Argentine government had to make a series of unrealistic commitments in order to obtain votes, leading to a fiscal crisis and inflation.
The government's incompetence led to the gradual decline of the country, causing it to fall from a once developed South American country to a destitute one.
The fate of South Africa and Argentina tells us not to treat means as ends.
The fundamental goal of development is to improve the material life of the people.
Issues such as racial discrimination and democracy turning into populism are all due to the loss of this core goal.
Therefore, both countries and individuals should keep this in mind and not let the means mislead the purpose.
True development should be the common progress of all people, rather than the prosperity enjoyed solely by a few.
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