Many developing countries possess a resource that potentially can be sold at a high profit: a disorganized social environment with intrinsic qualities of freedom. Local elites in such developing countries often have more power over their societies than do elites in the developed world.
This implies that they could potentially turn their countries’ disorganized environments into merchandise to sell to wealthy individuals from developed countries who are in search of freedom.
This is not about furthering the development of developing countries. It is not about benefiting the local populations other than the elites. If an atmosphere of poverty is the merchandise that can be marketed for a good profit, then the trickling down of profits will destroy the product.
Luckily, local elites in many developing countries are in the habit of transferring their wealth abroad to the West.
Currently, more people from rich countries than ever before work in developing countries, because an increasing number of companies from North America and Europe have a business presence there. This leads to greater awareness among Westerners that living in countries outside of North America and Europe can be very rewarding indeed.
In the coming years, an increasing number of men from rich countries will settle in developing countries, not so much for business opportunities but for opportunities for romance and sex with local women. And if the migration decisions of wealthy men favor certain countries, then money will follow in their paths.
With the right policies, the elites of small, poor countries could sell freedom. But they would have to implement policies to make their countries especially attractive to the wealthy of the West.
The following are just some measures that could attract wealthy individuals to poor developing countries.
Taxation – Charge a flat foreign resident tax, e.g., $100 to $1,000 per month, but impose no local income tax and no taxation on money earned internationally.
Second citizenship – Offer an easy second citizenship, even a temporary one… at a price (e.g., double or triple the foreign resident tax).
Special development zones – The rights of foreigners to reside in a country could be limited to special development zones.
Safety – Parts of the country where foreigners would reside would have to be so safe that unaccompanied foreigners can walk alone anywhere at night. Security-providing companies would also provide an easy opportunity for local elites to cash in.
Foreign businesses – Let foreigners run small businesses, such as restaurants, entertainment venues, hotels, small housing complexes, food production, and the like (either throughout the entire country or in special development zones). This will automatically generate the infrastructure needed to attract even more foreigners. Always impose flat taxes that are independent of whether a business is successful or not.
Morals – Impose very few moral restrictions on consensual sexual relationships.
Because of the moral leniency requirement, the above model could not be implemented in countries with a predominantly Muslim population. But the model may be well suited to attract citizens of Muslim-majority countries who are dissatisfied with the strict moral rules of their home countries.