The political economy component of the MEDirections Programme addresses the relationships at play in the distribution of power and wealth in the region. It adopts a multi-layered approach that embraces a comprehensive and dynamic regional perspective. The analytical framework comprises the study of flows of capital, trade and people. It considers how they result from political arrangements and feed back into their reproduction, transformation or interruption.

The political economy section integrates the multi-layered dynamics governing politics on the national, region and sub-national levels in order to tackle questions of growth, development and distributional justice. It links the empirical wealth of local and trans-national particularities with the broader regional and international developments, especially at an historical juncture where central-state authority has either withered away completely (Libya and Yemen) or has been diminished considerably (Syria and Iraq).

Key research findings are detailed and disseminated in high-quality policy briefs, papers and reports. Roundtables, discussion groups and workshops also take place to collect and process feedback, and to engage stakeholders in Europe and the Middle East.

• The political economy component of the MEDirections is led by Luigi Narbone.

Latest publications:

Fractured Stability: War Economies and Reconstruction in the MENA, edited by Luigi Narbone, 2019, eBook.

Luigi Narbone, What Prospects for Stabilisation and Reconstruction in the Middle East and North Africa?, 2019, Policy Brief.