The Middle East and the Arab Spring

This lecture delves into the economic factors behind the Arab Spring, exploring the impact of youth unemployment as a major driver of the uprisings. It discusses the structural and conjunctural causes, such as the 2008 financial crisis, and the end of authoritarian social contracts. The presentation also touches on the concept of 'crony capitalism' and its role in the region. Through a series of slides, it analyzes the socio-political context in countries like Syria, Tunisia, Egypt, and Bahrain, highlighting key events like the self-immolation of Mohamed Bouazizi and the murder of Khaled Said. The lecture emphasizes the intertwining of economic and political triggers in the Arab uprisings.