Politicians and Poachers

In his book Politicians and Poachers, Charles Gibson analyzes the origins and effects of governmental “institutions” on Zambian wildlife policy. Keeping in mind his definition of what an institution is- it’s origins, what it does, and what it represents- one can apply his analysis to the nature of tourism. When so much of the tourist industry relies on what is seen as “authentic” and how it is determined, it is important to focus on how various institutions shape Western and local thought.

Charles Gibson puts forth a definition of “institutions”, on which he bases his argument about Zambian wildlife policy. He says that, essentially, they are the result of “voluntary exchanges between relatively equal actors who are seeking mutually welfare-enhancing outcomes” . This definition is rather broad; it includes almost any organization with a common goal. However, Gibson narrows this too a more self-serving sense, saying that in addition an institution “features individuals…who seek to…augment their private well-being, not society’s”(Gibson 11). Moreover, they seek to “protect their streams of benefit from uncertainty” (Gibson 11). Therefore, a definition that once included any and all groups of people is now limited to a collection of people who not only seek to further and protect their own gains, but those who do so with only themselves in mind.

Such an institution, according to Gibson’s definition, can prove to be very problematic, especially in a political realm. A leader of any sort, in office through election or use of force, who adheres to this sort of government institution, can do little to no good for their country. Such an institution does not have to stem from an individual; “weaker groups could agree to instit...

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...ups of Kenya are equally valued”. This performance is not meant for foreigners; it is “an ethnic theme park for domestic tourists” (Bruner, Gmelch 209). Those cultural institutions that seem farfetched or overproduced are less likely to be deemed legitimate because they strive not to benefit the community but themselves.

Charles Gibson, in his book Politicians and Poachers, establishes the framework of political and governmental institutions and their role in wildlife policy. However, it is not limited to state action; one can apply his basic definition to social and cultural institutions and their influence on the tourist industry. Because tourism, where people go, and how they spend their money are dependent on the concept of “authenticity”, it is vital that tourist attractions seem genuine, but not to the extent that this legitimacy seems falsified.