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Reviving Growth in the Arab World

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  • Elbadawi, Ibrahim A

Abstract

Why has growth in the Arab world been so disappointing? Stagnating since 1985, the little growth that does exist is volatile and unstable, and the region has lagged behind both the gains of other developing countries and the region's own pre-1985 performance. This article attempts to encourage the revitalization of growth in the Arab world by addressing the following two questions: why has growth been so low, specifically in comparison to the high performers of East Asia, and why has it been so erratic and unstable? I estimate two growth models of the determinants of long-term growth and the persistence of growth, using global panel data drawn from more than 70 countries. I conclude by describing two strategies and one development constraint important in explaining the growth process specific to the Arab world.

Suggested Citation

  • Elbadawi, Ibrahim A, 2005. "Reviving Growth in the Arab World," Economic Development and Cultural Change, University of Chicago Press, vol. 53(2), pages 293-326, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:ucp:ecdecc:y:2005:v:53:i:2:p:293-326
    DOI: 10.1086/425375
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    Cited by:

    1. Bougharriou, Nouha & Benayed, Walid & Gabsi, Foued Badr, 2019. "The democracy and economic growth nexus: Do FDI and government spending matter? Evidence from the Arab world," Economics - The Open-Access, Open-Assessment E-Journal (2007-2020), Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW Kiel), vol. 13, pages 1-29.
    2. Ali Abdel Gadir Ali, "undated". "The Political Economy of Inequality in the Arab Region and Relevant Development Policies," API-Working Paper Series 0904, Arab Planning Institute - Kuwait, Information Center.
    3. AfDB AfDB, . "ORNA - North Africa - Annual Report 2014," Annual Report, African Development Bank, number 2139.
    4. Wood,Christina A. & Yang,Judy, 2016. "MENA export performance and specialization -- the role of financial sector development and governance," Policy Research Working Paper Series 7616, The World Bank.
    5. Artelaris, Panagiotis & Arvanitidis, Paschalis & Petrakos, George, 2006. "Theoretical and Methodological Study on Dynamic Growth Regions and Factors Explaining their Growth Performance," Papers DYNREG02, Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI).
    6. Nahed Zghidi & Zouheir Abida, 2014. "Financial Development, Trade Openness and Economic Growth in North African Countries," Romanian Economic Journal, Department of International Business and Economics from the Academy of Economic Studies Bucharest, vol. 17(53), pages 91-120, September.
    7. AfDB AfDB, . "The AfDB Group in North Africa 2014," Country Brochure, African Development Bank, number 2138.
    8. Gasmi, Farid & Kouakou, Dorgyles & Noumba Um, Paul & Rojas Milla, Pedro, 2023. "An empirical analysis of the social contract in the MENA region and the role of digitalization in its transformation," TSE Working Papers 23-1423, Toulouse School of Economics (TSE).
    9. Ali Abdel Gadir Ali, 2009. "The Political Economy of Inequality in the Arab Region and Relevant Development Policies," Working Papers 502, Economic Research Forum, revised Aug 2009.
    10. Zouheir Abida & Imen Mohamed Sghaier & Nahed Zghidi, 2015. "Financial Development and Economic Growth: Evidence from North African Countries," Economic Alternatives, University of National and World Economy, Sofia, Bulgaria, issue 2, pages 17-33, April.
    11. Kshetri, Nir & Ajami, Riad, 2008. "Institutional reforms in the Gulf Cooperation Council economies: A conceptual framework," Journal of International Management, Elsevier, vol. 14(3), pages 300-318, September.

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