Economic development and geopolitics: a tale of two regions

Purpose – This paper aims to discuss aspects of successful and unsuccessful development experiences in southeast and southwest corners of Asia. Design/methodology/approach – It provides historical background to practices, strategies and policies adopted by policymakers in both of these regions. It identifies factors that a successful development cannot do without. Findings – The paper concludes that geopolitics can inspire and exploit religion and ethnicity to impede LDCs' development. Originality/value – Examines the process of development from a practical standpoint in two different areas in Asia: first, Malaysia, Taiwan and South Korea, and, second, Iraq, to identify factors that development cannot be successful without.