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Political ambiguity and economic development: the MENA countries

  • Willem Spanjers
  • , Juliane Brach

    Research output: Working paper

    Abstract

    In this paper we provide a coherent framework for analyzing the impact of incalculable political risk, i.e. political ambiguity, on economic development and the choice of development strategy. Using indicators for the levels of internal and external political ambiguity, we analyze the growth paths of MENA countries based on annual data for the period from 1980 to 2008. Succession rules for governments are our indicator for internal political ambiguity, the potential for becoming involved in disruptive international conflicts serves as an indicator for external political ambiguity. Our results show that political ambiguity has a negative impact on both the level of per capita GDP and its growth. Our theoretical model suggests that political ambiguity biases development strategies, leading to an underinvestment in intensive sources of growth.
    Original languageEnglish
    Place of PublicationMaastricht, Netherlands
    PublisherMaastricht School of Management
    Number of pages40
    Publication statusPublished - Oct 2012

    Publication series

    NameMaastricht School of Managment Working Papers
    PublisherMaastricht School of Management
    No.39

    Keywords

    • Politics and international studies

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