The Peterson Institute for International Economics is a private, nonprofit, nonpartisan
research institution devoted to the study of international economic policy. More › ›

Keep up to date with Peterson Institute publications, events, and interviews with a subscription to our email newsletter.

Search Publications and Events

Use filters to narrow your search.

| More

WORKING PAPER 05-5

Explaining Middle Eastern Authoritarianism

by Marcus Noland, Peterson Institute for International Economics

The ubiquity of stable, undemocratic political regimes in the Middle East is unique. The most important determinants of democracy in the Middle East North Africa region are modernization, British colonial history, the democratic status of neighbors, the share of taxes in government revenue, and Arab ethnic population share (the last is subject to multiple interpretations). But a number of other hypotheses lack explanatory power: the presence of oil rents, the status of women, conflict with Israel or other neighbors, and Muslim population share. Across the region, the odds on liberalizing political transitions are relatively low but rising.

View full document [pdf]

subscribe

Search Publications and Events