Bringing social policy back in: a look at the Middle East and North Africa

Abstract

This article examines the evolution of social policy in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) during three periods: the post‐colonial and oil‐boom period, the post‐oil period of structural adjustment, and the more recent oil‐boom period. Drawing attention to key factors that shaped both social policy and the region's lack of competitiveness during the current global era, the authors argue for a new social development strategy that would put the region back on a growth path, while also recognizing citizen participation and rights.