“The Instinct of Survival”: How Can Liberia Use System Thinking for Sustainable Growth and Development?

Op-Ed By George S. Tengbeh

Monrovia – There is a striking paradox at the heart of global development: nations richly endowed with natural resources often struggle to achieve sustained prosperity, while those with little or no natural resources rise to remarkable levels of economic and social advancement. This contradiction invites a deeper reflection on what truly drives development. It is not merely the presence of resources, but the systems through which societies organize knowledge, institutions, and human potential. The idea of the “Instinct of Survival,” often associated with Taiwan’s development trajectory, offers an important lens through which Liberia can rethink its path toward sustainable growth.

In a widely circulated speech, Andy Yih-Ping Liu, Taiwan’s Ambassador to Nigeria, delivered a candid reflection comparing Taiwan with Nigeria. His remarks were both emotional and instructive. He noted that Taiwan, a country prone to natural disasters and lacking significant natural resources, has had no choice but to depend on its human capital. In contrast, Nigeria—like Liberia and several other African countries—possesses abundant natural wealth. However, the outcomes in terms of development differ significantly. The core of his message was simple: survival forced Taiwan to build systems that maximize the potential of its people.

This “Instinct of Survival” is not merely a slogan. It reflects a deliberate, long-term commitment to building a knowledge-based society. Taiwan invested heavily in education, achieving a literacy rate of approximately 98 percent. Such a level of educational attainment is not accidental; it is the result of sustained policy choices, institutional discipline, and a shared national vision. Education became the foundation upon which technological innovation, industrial growth, and social cohesion were built. As scholars in Development Economics have long argued, human capital is a critical determinant of economic growth (Todaro & Smith, 2020).

Liberia’s situation presents both a challenge and an opportunity. The country is richly endowed with natural resources, including iron ore, gold, rubber, and timber. However, despite these assets, Liberia continues to face structural economic difficulties, high unemployment, and widespread poverty. This is not unique to Liberia; it reflects a broader pattern often described as the “resource curse,” a concept widely discussed in Political Economy (Auty, 1993). The resource curse suggests that countries with abundant natural resources may experience slower growth due to weak institutions, governance challenges, and over-reliance on extractive industries.

To break out of this cycle, Liberia must adopt a systems thinking approach. Systems thinking, rooted in the Systems Theory, emphasizes understanding how different components of a system interact and influence one another. It moves beyond isolated interventions and instead focuses on the relationships between education, governance, economic policy, and social development. In practical terms, this means recognizing that improving education without addressing governance weaknesses, or promoting investment without strengthening institutions, will yield limited results.

One of the most critical areas where systems thinking can be applied in Liberia is education. The current educational system faces numerous challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, limited access to quality teaching, and disparities between urban and rural areas. If Liberia is to replicate even a fraction of Taiwan’s success, it must treat education not as a sectoral issue but as the backbone of national development. Investment in education should prioritize not only access but also quality, relevance, and alignment with the needs of the economy. This includes strengthening technical and vocational education to prepare young people for both industrial and digital economies.

However, education leads the way, but could be insufficient. Systems thinking requires a parallel focus on governance and institutional capacity. Weak institutions undermine policy implementation and erode public trust. Liberia’s development challenges are deeply intertwined with governance issues, including corruption, lack of accountability, and limited enforcement of laws. Strengthening institutions must therefore be central to any sustainable development strategy. This includes improving public financial management, enhancing transparency, and ensuring that policies are implemented consistently and fairly. As World Bank reports have consistently shown, strong institutions are essential for translating resources into development outcomes (World Bank, 2022).

Another critical component of systems thinking is economic diversification. Liberia’s heavy reliance on extractive industries makes it vulnerable to global commodity price fluctuations. To achieve sustainable growth, the country must develop other sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, and services. This requires a coordinated approach that links education, infrastructure, and investment policies. For example, improving agricultural productivity is not only about providing farmers with inputs; it also involves building roads, ensuring market access, and supporting research and innovation.

Technology also plays a crucial role in this transformation. Taiwan’s success is closely linked to its ability to integrate technology into all sectors of the economy. Liberia, while facing infrastructural constraints, has the opportunity to leapfrog certain stages of development by embracing digital technologies. This includes expanding internet access, promoting digital literacy, and supporting innovation ecosystems. By doing so, Liberia can create new economic opportunities and reduce its dependence on traditional sectors.

Importantly, systems thinking also requires a shift in mindset. Development is not solely the responsibility of the government; it involves the collective efforts of all stakeholders, including the private sector, civil society, and citizens. The “Instinct of Survival” in Taiwan was driven by a shared understanding that the country’s future depended on the contributions of every individual. Liberia must cultivate a similar sense of collective responsibility. This involves fostering a culture of accountability, encouraging civic participation, and promoting national unity.

At the policy level, Liberia can draw lessons from countries that have successfully applied systems thinking to development. For instance, Singapore transformed itself from a resource-poor nation into a global economic hub through strategic planning, strong institutions, and investment in human capital. Similarly, South Korea leveraged education and industrial policy to achieve rapid economic growth. While Liberia’s context is different, the underlying principles of systems thinking remain applicable.

Critically, adopting systems thinking does not mean ignoring Liberia’s natural resources. Rather, it involves managing these resources more effectively and using them as a foundation for broader development. This includes ensuring that resource revenues are invested in education, infrastructure, and social services, rather than being lost to inefficiency or corruption. Transparency initiatives, such as those promoted by the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, can play a role in improving accountability in the management of natural resources.

The question, therefore, is not whether Liberia can adopt systems thinking, but whether it has the political will and societal commitment to do so. Transforming a country’s development trajectory requires long-term vision, consistent policies, and the ability to overcome entrenched interests. It also requires leadership that prioritizes national development over short-term gains.

Liberia stands at a critical juncture. The challenges it faces are significant, but so are the opportunities. By embracing systems thinking and adopting the “Instinct of Survival,” Liberia can chart a new path toward sustainable growth and development. This will not happen overnight, nor will it be easy. However, with the right policies, institutions, and collective effort, it is achievable.

Ultimately, the lesson from Taiwan is clear: development is not determined by what a country has, but by what it does with what it has. Liberia may be rich in natural resources, but its greatest asset lies in its people. Investing in human capital, strengthening institutions, and adopting a systems approach to development can unlock this potential. In doing so, Liberia can move beyond the constraints of the resource curse and build a more prosperous and inclusive future.