Using firm-level census data, we determine how politically-connected firms (PCFs) reduce job creation in Lebanon.

Opinion polls indicate that the vast majority of people in the Middle East want to be governed by legitimate states that uphold the rule of law, protect civic rights, and promote coexistence among communities. The goal must be to reach a grand bargain that takes into account the major issues dividing the region, including the status of the Palestinians and Kurds, and creates conditions for viable political settlements in Syria and Iraq.

This chapter looks at changes in public opinion in Egypt, using the 2000 and 2008 World Values Survey. During this period, there was a major increase in popular support for democracy, a rise in concerns about inequality, a rise in values associated with modernization, and a fall in support for political Islam.

Arab societies urgently need to start looking at how to improve education systems, not just in ways to improve the marketability of individuals, but as importantly, to improve their social and political impact on society, such as by strengthening a sense of community, beefing up values of civic engagement, inculcating democratic principles, supporting gender equality, and promoting social tolerance.

Using a unique dataset, the study fills an important empirical gap in discussions about labor outcomes in the Arab region by estimating the rates of return to education (RoRE) for all 22 Arab countries. 

Nearly two years after oil prices began their precipitous decline, leading global producers are facing the prospect of major adjustments that will have far-reaching economic, social, and political consequences. In this context, how viable is Saudi Arabia new Vision 2030 plan for ensuring sustainable long-term growth?

Diwan and Galal look at the structure and prospects of the Middle East economies after the 2011 Uprisings, focusing on issues of economic growth, inequality, the impact of oil, and the unfolding political transitions.