Political Economy


Manufacturing the AKP in Turkey

The AKP's decades-long electoral success in Turkey has been made possible by their strategic alliance with the country's small industrialists. Utku Balaban analyzes the connection between Islamism and industrialization since the rise of these urban manufacturers in the 1980s and explains the nuances
Utku Balaban 15 min read

The Evolution of Sudan's Popular Political Forces

On January 30, 2011, a protest took place in Sudan’s capital Khartoum. Inspired by uprisings in other parts of the Arabic-speaking world, such as Tunisia and Egypt, activists announced and promoted the planned demonstration using social media platforms. The protesters demanded significant change: Th
Muzan Alneel 17 min read

Turkish Intervention in Syria Heightens Authoritarianism in Turkey and Fragmentation in Syria

Turkish military incursions into Syria since 2016 are shaping power dynamics not only in Syria but also domestically. Turkish state building practices in Syria are changing the demographics of the border area in Syria and benefiting Turkish industry and political elites. At home, Ankara is suppressi
Sinem Adar 10 min read

Palestine on the Brink of Crisis

Palestine is heading into a disastrous recession brought on by the coronavirus pandemic's paralysis of economic life combined with structural factors specific to the Palestinian economy. Colin Powers explains why the Palestinian Authority is unable to generate the necessary level of revenue to suppo
Colin Powers 15 min read