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on MENA - Middle East and North Africa |
| By: | Kohnert, Dirk |
| Abstract: | As early as 1991, Ali Mazrui argued that the Red Sea was not suitable for separating Africa from Arabia. For the two were inextricably intertwined through languages, religions (particularly Islam) and identities in both the Sahara and the Red Sea in a historical fusion of Arabism and African identity. Their separation was closely linked to a broader trend in which the white world closed ranks and created a system of global apartheid. The historical origins of the Africa-Middle East divide, i.e. the views of the Red Sea and the Sahara as racial and civilizational boundaries created by European Enlightenment ideology and early colonial expansionism were reinforced by postcolonial authoritarian regimes and Cold War rivalries, as well as by nationalist currents in Africa, the Middle East and North Africa. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates increasingly viewed the Horn of Africa as their ‘Western security flank’. They were united in their desire to prevent the growing influence of Turkey, Iran and Qatar in this part of the world. These Gulf rivalries formed the basis for growing economic cooperation with SSA as well as military support and security alliances, particularly in the Horn of Africa. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, which together have become the largest Gulf investors in Africa, compete with each other, particularly with Qatar, which has established embassies in most SSA countries. In addition, state and non-state actors from the Middle East and North Africa were closely involved in the destabilization of the Sahel in the 2010s by providing military, intelligence and ideological support to SSA states and terrorist groups. On the other hand, the Gulf States became increasingly dependent on migrant labour and the steady increase in migration from SSA to these countries, reinforced by the massive influx from African migrant-sending countries given the restrictions on African migration to Europe. As early as the seventh century AD, Arabia had relied heavily on the slave trade and the supply of labour from SSA, founded on the philosophy that it was legitimate to enslave black people because they were no better than animals. During this time, Black Africa became the largest slave depot in the Islamic world. To this day, there are significant African migrant and diaspora communities in the Middle East. Their presence has at times helped to perpetuate long-standing derogatory views and attitudes towards Africa and its peoples. These attitudes, based on an Arab-centric social hierarchy and expressing contempt for African cultures, remain prevalent today and shape social relationships between employers and African migrants in the emirates of the Arabian Peninsula. |
| Keywords: | CCG; Moyen-Orient; Arabie; États arabes du Golfe; Afrique subsaharienne; Mer Rouge; Corne de l'Afrique; Yémen; Printemps arabe; Sahel; terrorisme islamiste; traite négrière arabe; nationalisme arabe; Islam; travailleurs migrants; traite des êtres humains; travail forcé; Éthiopie; Somalie; Nigeria; Ghana; Turquie; Iran; Afro-Arabes; Arabie Saoudite; Émirats arabes unis; Qatar; Oman; études africaines; |
| JEL: | D31 D62 D72 D74 E26 F22 F35 F51 F52 F53 F54 F55 H12 H56 N45 Z13 |
| Date: | 2023–11–25 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:119251&r=ara |
| By: | Ansari, Dawud; Werenfels, Isabelle |
| Abstract: | Across public sectors in the Arab world, international consultancy firms already play a pivotal role and are further expanding their operations. Among other projects, consultancies have (co-)designed such high-profile strategies as Saudi Arabia's "Vision 2030" and Morocco's "Green Agenda". Currently, they are stepping up their activities in national energy and climate strategies. Their operations involve almost no local public participation, which diminishes the legitimacy and quality of the policies crafted and undermines local development. Besides the ramifications for the Arab world, the consultancies' work in that region also affects German and European interests, even when it is commissioned by European actors or international organizations. If negative impacts are to be avoided, greater awareness and more transparency about the consultancies' activities are needed. Moreover, it is crucial to scrutinise whether, when and to what extent it is expedient to commission international consultancy firms. |
| Keywords: | international consultancy firms, “, , Vision 2030”, (Saudi Arabia), “, , Green Agenda”, (Morocco, ), Morocco, Jordan, Egypt, Gulf states, McKinsey |
| Date: | 2023 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:swpcom:279944&r=ara |
| By: | Roll, Stephan |
| Abstract: | Over the past 10 years, the de facto alliance of the governments of Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates has exercised significant influence over developments in the Middle East. The common goal has been to prevent democratic transformation, stop the rise of political Islam and counter the influence of Iran and Turkey over the region. But joint regional political interventions have so far had little success. Moreover, divergences of interest in bilateral relations between these authoritarian Arab states have come to light in recent months. The potential for conflict has become evident with regard to both economic and regional political issues and is only likely to increase in the future. For Germany and the European Union, these divergences of interest between the three countries offer an opportunity to pursue their own goals in the region. |
| Keywords: | Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iran, Turkey, Germany, EU, Middle East, political Islam, democratic transformation |
| Date: | 2023 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:swpcom:279940&r=ara |
| By: | Azizi, Hamidreza; Isachenko, Daria |
| Abstract: | The South Caucasus has long been a theatre of Turkish and Iranian cooperation and rivalry. While these two regional powers have historically balanced their interests, there are signs that rivalry is taking precedence. Turkey's unwavering backing of Azerbaijan during the 2020 Karabakh War consolidated Ankara's footprint in the region. Azerbaijan's retaking of the rest of Karabakh in the latest military strikes on 19 September 2023 makes a peace accord between Azerbaijan and Armenia more likely, furthering Turkey's interests, and potentially limiting Russia's role in the region. However, the prospect of a "less Russia, more Turkey" dynamic heightens Tehran's apprehensions towards Ankara. Particularly concerning for Iran is the clause within the Moscow-brokered ceasefire of November 2020 that mandates the rebuilding of a road and rail link connecting Turkey to mainland Azerbaijan via Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan exclave and Armenia's south-eastern Syunik province; this risks marginalising Iran. In addition, Tehran is anxiously observing the deepening of ties between Turkey's close ally, Azerbaijan, and Iran's key adversary, Israel. |
| Keywords: | South Caucasus, Turkey, Iran, Russia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, 2020 Karabakh War, Nakhchivan exclave, Zangezur Corridor |
| Date: | 2023 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:swpcom:279943&r=ara |
| By: | Aksoy, Hürcan Aslı; Aydın, Yaşar; Çevik, Salim |
| Abstract: | The inclusion of technocrats and bureaucrats in Turkey's new cabinet has led to cautious optimism over a possible change in direction. While President Recep Tayyip Erdoægan's choice of economy minister hints at a reset, the thrust of foreign policy will remain unchanged. Here Ankara will pursue a moderate and diplomatic approach while still pursuing strategic autonomy. A great deal will depend on what Erdoægan wants and how he chooses to employ foreign relations to attract better financial and economic deals. Given Turkey's importance as a security partner, especially in light of Russia's war against Ukraine, the EU needs to develop a strategic approach on the basis of common interests and institutionalised relations. |
| Keywords: | Turkey, EU-Turkey relations, President Recep Tayyip Erdoægan, People’, s Alliance, Justice and Development Party (AKP), Nationalist Movement’, s Party (MHP), Republican People’, s Party (CHP), Kemal K¸l¸çdaroæglu, Mehmet ðSimðsek, Hakan Fidan, Suleyman Soylu, Hulusi Akar |
| Date: | 2023 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:swpcom:279930&r=ara |
| By: | Oussama Abi Younes (American University of Beirut, Lebanon); Leila Dagher (Department of Economics, Lebanese American University, Lebanon); Ibrahim Jamali (Department of Finance, Accounting & Managerial Economics, American University of Beirut, Lebanon); Paul Makdissi (Department of Economics, University of Ottawa, Canada) |
| Abstract: | This paper provides an in-depth analysis of Lebanon's severe economic crisis, a situation aggravated by the collapse of Banque du Liban's financial strategies, delayed reforms by the government, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the devastating Beirut Port explosion. These events have precipitated a sharp decline in disposable income, soaring inflation rates, and an alarming increase in unemployment and multidimensional poverty. Central to this study is a comprehensive field survey that examines eighteen coping mechanisms adopted by workers in various economic sectors of Lebanon. From this survey, we introduce a new index designed to systematically categorize and evaluate these coping strategies across four critical dimensions: nutrition, healthcare, education, and financial issues. We use this index to quantify and understand the extent to which workers have relied on these coping mechanisms, offering novel insights into the socio-economic repercussions of the crisis. |
| Keywords: | Multiple crises, Index, Lebanon |
| JEL: | D63 I31 |
| Date: | 2023 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ott:wpaper:2305e&r=ara |
| By: | Osman, Adam (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign); Speer, Jamin D. (University of Memphis); Weaver, Andrew (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign) |
| Abstract: | We study discrimination in hiring and its associated outcomes for the discriminators using a unique survey of Egyptian businesses. Discrimination against women is widespread and overt: about half (51%) of establishments directly admit that they prefer to hire men. The share varies widely across industries, from 60% in retail to only 16% in IT. Using a list randomization technique, we can rule out that discrimination against women is heavily stigmatized in Egypt, meaning that establishments are willing to admit it openly. We then provide novel suggestive evidence showing that discriminating against women is associated the employment of lower-quality workers. We also provide guidance on the use of the list randomization technique and how to interpret it in settings with limited stigma. |
| Keywords: | discrimination, list randomization, Egypt |
| JEL: | J16 J71 C83 O12 |
| Date: | 2023–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iza:izadps:dp16598&r=ara |
| By: | dagher, leila; altug, sumru |
| Abstract: | The Lebanese economic crisis which began in 2019 has been described by the World Bank as one of the top three most severe crises globally since 1850. We discuss the events leading to Lebanon’s ongoing economic crisis and the reasons behind the government’s failure to reach an agreement with the International Monetary Fund to halt the downward spiral of the economy and promote recovery. The crisis’ link to the political makeup of ruling coalitions makes it such that any solution to it lies in cutting the knots that bind political and economic interests in Lebanon. |
| Keywords: | Lebanon; IMF; crisis |
| JEL: | F35 F5 |
| Date: | 2023 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:119192&r=ara |
| By: | Lacher, Wolfram |
| Abstract: | The armed groups that have formed in Libya since 2011 have progressively taken over the state. They are undergoing a process of institutionalisation, and their representatives are reaching the top levels of the army, the security apparatus and the civilian government. At the same time, they are exerting massive influence over who gets key appointments and how state resources are distributed. The resulting amalgamation of private interests mixed with military units is likely to shape Libya's political and security landscapes for years to come. Since mid-2022, relations between leading military actors have been characterised by pragmatic arrangements. But they continue to harbour considerable potential for conflict as distributive conflicts can quickly lead to armed confrontation. The consolidation of private armies also diminishes the prospect of security sector reform. European governments should reconsider how they engage with Libya's increasingly powerful and repressive militia leaders. |
| Keywords: | Libya, Libyan Arab Armed Forces (LAAF), armed groups, militias, security sector reform (SSR), disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDR), 444th Brigade, Khalifa Haftar, Abdelhamid Dabeiba, Abdelghani al-Kikli, Abderrauf Kara, Emad al-Trabelsi, Essam Buzriba, Faraj al-Gaim |
| Date: | 2023 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:swpcom:279934&r=ara |
| By: | Haidar, Jamal Ibrahim; Zeaiter, Hussein; Darwich, Salem |
| Abstract: | The sale and consumption of cannabis are becoming more broadly accepted worldwide as research into its medicinal uses accelerates. Revenue in the global medical cannabis market is projected to reach 12.92 billion US dollars (USD) in 2023, and is expected to grow by 13.16% annually, resulting in a market volume of USD 23.97 billion by 2028. Moreover, Colombia, Costa Rica, Malaysia, Morocco, Thailand, Ukraine, the United States, and European Union countries have created regulatory frameworks for cannabis derivatives manufacturing and export and import licenses. As we previously argued, the goal of exporting cannabis from Lebanon for pharmaceutical processing and medicinal purposes should be welcome, despite many misunderstandings about Lebanon’s informal cannabis sector, as well as what would be required to establish a formal sector and ensure buy-in along the cannabis cultivation and export value chain. Among these challenges are cannabis importing country requirements and Lebanon’s ability to meet them. |
| Keywords: | cannabis; Lebanon; exports |
| JEL: | F0 I0 I00 |
| Date: | 2023–09–23 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:119222&r=ara |
| By: | ibrahim, Abdulrazzaq; Faisal, Faisal Ghazi; mhedi, hisham |
| Abstract: | The study aimed to analyze the indicators of the financial rules used in the state financial management and to know the effect of applying the rules of financial control in the Iraqi economy on the rates of economic growth for the period (2004-2020) using the linear regression model with time delays (ARDL) and conducting static tests for the time series included in the study a set of conclusions has been reached, the most important of which is that the application of the rules of financial control has negative effects in the short term, but in the long term its effects will be positive, and this is due to the positive aspects that these rules possess in the Iraqi economy. |
| Date: | 2022–12–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:osf:osfxxx:kghxm&r=ara |
| By: | Thielges, Sonja |
| Abstract: | Climate experts are apprehensive about the approaching Presidency of the United Arab Emirates at this year's Conference of the Parties (COP) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). So far, the oil producer has not set a shining example with its climate protection efforts; and Sultan Al Jaber, this year's COP president, is head of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, one of the largest oil concerns in the world. To achieve the goal set by the Paris Climate Agreement of seeking to limit the average global temperature to 1.5 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial level, the international community is striving for climate neutrality in the second half of this century. For this to happen, global energy systems will have to largely phase out fossil fuels, which, however, remain the dominant energy source. The fact that at present, a complete phase-out of fossil fuels cannot be expected is often lost in climate policy debates; in most countries, it is neither politically desired nor envisaged in long-term climate strategies. However, a speedy and orderly phase-down would have major benefits, such as providing the right investment incentives and supporting the necessary socioeconomic transformations in fossil-fuel producing countries. Today there is an urgent need to further develop the relevant policy and governance instruments as time is running out. |
| Keywords: | fossil energy, Conference of the Parties (COP), UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Paris Climate Agreement |
| Date: | 2023 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:swpcom:279925&r=ara |
| By: | Ricardo Hausmann (Center for International Development at Harvard University); Ugo Panizza; Carmen Reinhart (Center for International Development at Harvard University); Douglas Barrios (Center for International Development at Harvard University); Clement Brenot (Center for International Development at Harvard University); Jesus Daboin Pacheco; Clemens Graf von Luckner; Frank Muci (Center for International Development at Harvard University); Lucila Venturi |
| Abstract: | Lebanon’s current economic crisis ranks among the worst in recent history. GDP has collapsed by 38% in real terms. The Lebanese lira, which was fixed to the dollar in 1997, has lost more than 98% of its value on the parallel market. The government has defaulted on its debt, and depositors are unable to access their funds held at commercial banks. Consolidated public sector debt, including both government debt and commercial banks’ claims on the Banque du Liban (BdL), represents more than seven times the current GDP. Public services delivery has crumbled. In short, the country is undergoing a debt crisis, a banking crisis, a currency crisis, and a growth collapse. Four years into the crisis, a resolution remains elusive, and each passing day increases the economic and social burdens faced by the population. Given the increasing cost of delaying a resolution, we propose a strategy for Lebanon’s economic recovery that addresses all the dimensions of the crisis while recognizing the need to rapidly kick-start the economic recovery. |
| Keywords: | Lebanon, sovereign debt, international finance |
| Date: | 2023–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cid:wpfacu:439&r=ara |
| By: | Dennis Dlugosch |
| Abstract: | The Turkish economy grew strongly over the past two decades and created many jobs. However, given its young and growing workforce, Türkiye needs to ramp up efforts to achieve high-quality formal job creation. A sizeable share of the workforce, mostly female workers, does not actively participate in the labour market. While informality has decreased significantly, it is still widespread and entrenches productivity differences across firms. Rigid labour market rules, particularly the high severance pay but also minimum wages, impede formal job creation. More flexible labour markets should be part of a comprehensive reform programme that shifts job loss protection to a broader-based unemployment insurance scheme, supported by well-designed activation policies. While educational attainment has risen impressively, a growing number of vacancies, significant skill mismatches and a low level of adult skills highlight the need to address the quality of education and to improve on the matching of talent to jobs. |
| Keywords: | education, labour demand, labour market, labour regulations, labour supply, training, Türkiye |
| JEL: | I25 J08 J21 J23 J24 J65 I26 |
| Date: | 2023–12–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:oec:ecoaaa:1782-en&r=ara |
| By: | André Sleiman |
| Abstract: | This paper explores the opportunities and challenges linked to a possible use of deliberative democracy processes in Lebanon. It looks at the viability and feasibility of such initiatives, which are not prevalent in the country, by identifying the main impediments to their initiation and implementation, the different formats they could take, and the expected impact. It discusses how deliberative democracy could complement and diversify the democratic tools available to Lebanese actors and thus strengthen citizens’ ability to participate in public life. The aim of the paper is to encourage an initial discussion on this topic, raise awareness about its potential to contribute to democratic governance and respond to the demand of Lebanese actors interested in pursuing deliberative democracy efforts. |
| Keywords: | deliberation, democracy |
| Date: | 2023–12–14 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:oec:govaaa:66-en&r=ara |
| By: | Can, Zeynep Gizem (Adana Alpaslan Türkeş Science and Technology University); O'Donoghue, Cathal (National University of Ireland, Galway); Sologon, Denisa Maria (LISER (CEPS/INSTEAD)); Smith, Darius (National University of Ireland, Galway); Griffin, Rosaleen (Cathal O’Donoghue & Associates); Murray, Una (National University of Ireland, Galway) |
| Abstract: | This study addresses the different distributional and welfare implications of price volatility amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, focusing on both Turkey and the South Caucasus region, which have different welfare regimes and patterns of price changes. This paper explores the impact of inflation and uses compensating variations and equivalized incomes to measure shifts in welfare in a cross-country comparative context. The effects of inflation are closely related to specific price increases for various goods and the distribution of household budgets. In particular, lower-income countries and individuals allocate a higher share of their budgets to essential goods such as food, heating oil, and electricity. Consequently, the pronounced price escalation in these essential goods has led to a stronger inflationary effect in the less affluent countries. Consistent with media narrative, we find that the distributional consequences of these price changes are more pronounced than originally thought. Nevertheless, there are notable differences across countries in the level of inflation, its composition, and the relative increase within the income spectrum. It is worth noting that comparable levels of inflation regressivity are due to different interactions between the magnitude of price inflation and its disproportionate impact on the income distribution. Our analysis quantifies the offsetting fluctuations associated with inflation and reveals a significant behavioural component, largely due to the fact that those exposed to significant price fluctuations predominantly purchase necessities. An important aspect to consider in the potential impact on households is the savings rate. Households with lower savings are disproportionately affected by these shifts in spending behaviour. |
| Keywords: | inflation, distributional effect, welfare effect |
| JEL: | E21 D12 D31 I30 |
| Date: | 2023–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iza:izadps:dp16619&r=ara |
| By: | Alrababah, Ala; Casalis, Marine; Masterson, Daniel (University of California, Santa Barbara); Hangartner, Dominik; Wehrli, (ETH Zürich); Weinstein, Jeremy |
| Abstract: | Panel surveys and phone-based data collection are essential tools for survey research and are often used together due to the practical advantages of conducting repeated interviews over the phone. These tools are particularly critical for research in dynamic or high-risk settings, as highlighted by researchers' responses to the COVID-19 crisis. However, maintaining low attrition is a major problem with panel surveys. Current solutions focus on statistical fixes to address attrition ex post but often overlook a preferable solution: minimizing attrition in the first place. Building on a review of political science panel studies and a systematic overview of best practices, we propose a framework for reducing attrition and present an online platform to facilitate the logistics of survey implementation. The web application semi-automates scheduling survey calls and enumerator workflows, which helps reduce panel attrition while also increasing data quality and minimizing enumerator errors. Applying the proposed framework to a panel study of Syrian refugees in Lebanon, we are able to maintain participant retention at 67% around three and a half years after the baseline survey. We conclude by offering guidelines for transparently reporting panel studies and comprehensively describing their designs. |
| Date: | 2023–11–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:osf:osfxxx:gyz3h&r=ara |
| By: | BENAMINA, MUSTAPHA |
| Abstract: | تتجه معظم الشركات التجارية إلى التكتل لمواجهة المنافسة الشرسة في السوق، وهذا التكتل قد يتجلى في عدة صيغ قانونية، فقد يكون في شكل اتفاقات على التعاون في تقديم سلعة أوخدمة معينة للمستهلك، وقد تصل إلى درجة الإندماج الكامل بين الشركات، وهنا يطرح التساؤل حول مصير المساهمين في الشركة من أصحاب الكتلة السهمية الصغيرة، أو كما يسمون "أقلية المساهمين" والذين لا تسمح لهم مساهمتم في رأسمال الشركة بالتأثير على قراراتها المصيرية، وعليه تهدف هذه الدراسة إلى البحث عن الضمانات التي منحها المشرع الجزائري في القانون التجاري لهذه الفئة وهل هي كافية بالقدر المطلوب لرعاية حقوقها، معتمدين في ذلك على شركة المساهمة كنموذج للدراسة، وقد خلصنا إلى أن القانون الجزائري أكد على إضفاء طابع تعاقدي على عملية الاندماج بين الشركات، يبدأ في مرحلة التفاوض بينها وينتهي بمرحلة تصويت المساهمين لقبول الاندماج أو رفضه. |
| Date: | 2023–11–29 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:osf:osfxxx:vu4rh&r=ara |