A Political Economy of the Middle East

A Political Economy of the Middle East, Third Edition (UPDATED 2013 EDITION), offers an in-depth and comprehensive exploration of the region's evolving political economy. This thoroughly analytical text examines the dynamic interplay of economic development processes, state systems, and diverse social actors throughout recent decades. Revised to incorporate significant shifts such as the impact of the Arab Spring, this edition introduces a new chapter that delves into how these transformative events shape the region. It also highlights recent developments in demography, education, labor markets, urbanization, water resources, agriculture, and international labor migration, providing readers with a nuanced understanding of current challenges and progress. Furthermore, the text refines its discussion on the influence of oil prices in reinforcing authoritarian regimes and reassesses the effects of concepts traditionally associated with the “Washington Consensus.” Additionally, it presents Islamism as a multifaceted and influential social force, illustrating its various dimensions within the broader context of Middle Eastern political economy.