1. Arab Transformations Growth, inclusiveness and corruption
Political, Economic and Social Transformations in the Middle East and North Africa
Growth, inclusiveness and corruption
Francesco Cavatorta
Department of Political Science, Université Laval
School of Law and Government, Dublin City University

2. The political economy of the uprisings
The analysis of the transformations in the countries under examination has to begin with an understanding of the political economy of the region.
Most analyses of the uprisings have correctly identified socio-economic inequalities as the factors that drove them (Chomiak and Entelis, 2012; Achcar, 2013). The data bear this out.
There is however a first paradox that should be highlighted to begin with: the rates of growth and rates of unemployment for most of the countries under examination were actually not that bad.

3. Growth without redistribution
There are two points that need to be highlighted regarding the paradox:
The data regarding economic growth might have fiddle with by authoritarian regimes (Hibou and Meddeb, 2012).
The issues of redistribution and corruption.
In this already complex situation we have a demand for democracy coming from Arab citizens and an offer of democracy coming from the Western international community, which has a specific understanding and practice of it.
Offer and demand however do not meet and the equilibrium is not reached…

4. It’s the economy stupid?
The central element of the understanding of democracy for the majority of citizens has a strong economic dimension that centres on redistribution, equality of opportunities, social mobility and fight against corruption.
While the project looked for transformations, we also have to be aware of continuities. In this sense the uprisings have not transformed the way in which the economy works. If anything, the economy has gotten worse. This has resulted in a decrease in the belief that democracy brings benefits.

5. Corruption
The economy is perceived not to be working in part because the political and economic systems are highly corrupt. Ordinary citizens believe that corruption is rife within all institutions and that governments do not do enough to combat it. However, they also strongly believe that corrupt practices are helpful and justify those who use them.
The problem with the issue of corruption is that it touches both state institutions and private businesses.
The role of wasta

6. Trust
One of the most significant findings of the survey is that there is very low trust in all institutions whether political or economic or social
Low trust, significant corruption and poor socio-economic indicators suggest that the countries under examination are caught in a negative loop. They mutually reinforce each other.
This leads to declining belief that democracy might be the solution because on these issues the uprisings have made matters worse….
…and we still have to discuss perceptions of security before and after the uprisings….