This book explores the causes of corruption in the Middle East and North Africa through a systematic cross-national comparative analysis of fifteen countries in the region. It aims to explain causal relationships between corruption and differences in political and socio-economic dimensions within these different countries over the period 1999-2010. The countries are grouped together into three sub-regions (the Gulf region, North Africa, and Mashreq plus Yemen). The author finds that the main variables that showed robustness in impacting the intensity of corruption are the rule of law, quality of regulations, and trade openness. Poverty rates and income inequality have been clear triggers for petty corruption. Meanwhile, natural resources endowments have shown less of an impact on the levels of corruption, and similarly women's empowerment has not been found to be a strong indicator.

Focuses on the causes of corruption within the MENA regions from a comparative, qualitative perspective Analyses 15 countries over the period 1999 to 2010 (before the uprisings in 2011) Based on the findings of 37 interviews and several case studies, providing strategies and guidelines to prevent corruption

Autorentext

Dina Elsayed is Assistant Professor of Political Science, Egypt. She obtained her doctorate degree from the University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany. Her research focuses on comparative politics, corruption and governance in the MENA region.

Inhalt
Chapter 1 - Introduction.- Chapter 2 - The MENA Region: Unique Features & Sustained Regimes.- Chapter 3 - Corruption in the Gulf Region: A Black Box.- Chapter 4 - Corruption in North Africa: Monopoly of Power & Widespread Ignorance.- Chapter 5 - Corruption in the Mashreq Plus Yemen: A Region in Turmoil.- Chapter 6 - Corruption: What Are the Roots?.- Chapter 7- Corruption: Is There a Way Out?