Many parts of Middle East and North Africa (MENA) have experienced volatility and fragility due to conflict over the course of the region's long and complex history. These conflicts have had significant impact on economic and human development indicators. Also, and more recently, massive...

The 2011 “Arab Spring” sparked optimism that there would be profound democratic change in the Middle East, a region dominated by autocratic and oppressive regimes. The lack of rights and fundamental freedom for women in the region was one of the most egregious manifestations of these abusive...

According to diverse indices of political performance, the Middle East is the world's least free region. Some believe that it is Islam that hinders liberalization. Others retort that Islam cannot be a factor because the region is no longer governed under Islamic law. This book by Timur Kuran,...