[AnAfrican]

>What's the difference between China, India, and the early western country vs these countries then? Why is this unique to a limited subset who have the potential become a big player in manufacturing?

Mostly revenues from natural ressources. Rents allows much more centralized control of the political and economical equilibrium in the country. And it's easier to manage.

Despotic regimes that industrialize (like China or Vietnam) usually do it out of necessity : either because they can't make enough out of natural ressources to provide sufficiently to their subjects or because they need to have some level of strategic independence.

But they do see a dynamic economy as a threat.