The Arab Spring led to the restructure of the economy within the countries that were also struggling to obtain political stability. As a result, the countries experienced high unemployment rates and inequality, issues that highly impacted the way of living among the people.
The Arab countries experienced economic liberalization, which was an issue that resulted to the expansion of the private sector. The rate of corruption had increased and welfare responsibilities were being transferred to the military allies and private schemes that benefited only a group of people. The states power to make decisions had been negatively influenced and it took some time for decisions that benefited the public to be made by the people in leadership. Thus, there was no way the states would develop and grow to deal with some of the economic challenges that affected the people and the state.
Taking the example of Tunisia and Egypt, it was difficult for the states to implement industrial trade policies that would benefit the people because there were some people who dominated the industries that were meant to improve the states’ economy. For instance, the tourism and real estate industries were dominated by the corrupt systems that led to the states becoming impoverished. In addition, there was no global competition and these industries were uncertain in improving the economic conditions of the state.
Economic change during the Arab Spring
The economic factors in Arab countries have become great determinants for the states’ democratization. However, democracy can be obtained when both the political and economic demands are taken into consideration in order to deal with issues such as inequality. When these two factors are considered and addressed effectively, there are chances that the states would be opened to the globalized world, which would work towards transforming the countries and establishing economic stability as well.
The author of the article defines democratization as the process of changing the government from an authoritarian rule to that which can represent the people and offer opportunities for growth and development. Economic policies have been identified to have generate better conditions within the states, which would enhance transition to a representative government structure. This is a step forward towards making sure that the transition process takes place without conflict and enhances sustainability for the people.
Modernization is also an important aspect identified with the democratization of the sites, and this is an issue that has created significance in transformation of societies, increases globalization, as well as the rise of per capita income. This means that with changing economic policies, the countries affected by the Arab Spring would benefit towards acquiring a stable representative government for the people.
Reflection
The Arab Spring effect on the Arab states created economic impacts that resulted to loss of jobs among the people, and this also created a gap between them as inequality development. The countries experienced challenges in developing industries and the few that had been developed were being managed by some people in power who privatized them. Only a few people would benefit from these industries, and it was uncertain whether these industries would change the economy of the states. In addition, the economic and political demands are issues that enhanced change in the states’ governance, and these are important in ensuring that change is implemented for a better economy and political stability.