Political Economy of the Middle East

In this course we will study the political economy of the Middle East. More specifically, we will examine the regional mechanisms of production/distribution of resources as well as their political consequences. Questions to be addressed include: What are the causes of economic development and underdevelopment in the region? What is the role of the state, social classes, religion, and factor endowments in regional development? What are the political ramifications of the resource curse? Main themes of the course include state-business relations and crony capitalism, the military-industrial complex, rentier states, human development, unemployment and inequality in the context of the Middle East. 3 hrs. lect.