Publication

This working paper examines whether democratization in North Africa can be maintained under current conditions in the political economy. It begins by arguing that changes in the political economy have been a significant driver for transformation, and that they remain a key factor in the future economic viability of democratization. It then presents the evolution of the North African countries’ economic situation and policies and gives a brief assessment on the economic impact of the Arab Spring. It then analyses the different players, old and new, in a rapidly changing economic and political arena. It concludes by warning against the temptation of addressing legitimate social justice demands through short‐term populist economic policies instead of building a consensus for more inclusive patterns of growth.