Hardback
The Political Economy of Iraq
Restoring Balance in a Post-Conflict Society
9781849809887 Edward Elgar Publishing
This groundbreaking volume offers a comprehensive look at the current state of Iraq’s political economy in the aftermath of the US-led overthrow of Saddam Hussein in 2003. Frank R. Gunter describes the unique difficulties facing the modern Iraqi economy and provides detailed recommendations for fostering future economic growth and stability.
Awarded Choice Outstanding Academic Title for 2013
More Information
Critical Acclaim
Contents
More Information
This groundbreaking volume offers a comprehensive look at the current state of Iraq’s political economy in the aftermath of the US-led overthrow of Saddam Hussein in 2003. Frank R. Gunter describes the unique difficulties facing the modern Iraqi economy and provides detailed recommendations for fostering future economic growth and stability.
The book begins with an overview of Iraq’s current political, economic, and social status, including discussions of real growth, unemployment, inflation, health, poverty, education, and gender issues. This is followed by a comprehensive look at what the author identifies as the three dominant characteristics of the political economy of Iraq: corruption, political instability, and petroleum. Using these foundational ideas as a springboard, the book then provides a detailed breakdown of the Iraqi economy by sector, as well as discussions of Iraq’s fiscal, monetary, and exchange rate policies. The final chapter identifies the major trends that will determine the course of future economic development in Iraq and provides insightful recommendations for encouraging positive economic growth.
Offering the most comprehensive and timely discussion of Iraq’s economy to date, this critical volume will appeal to students and professors of international studies, political economy, and Middle East studies as well as anyone considering doing business in this rapidly changing economy.
The book begins with an overview of Iraq’s current political, economic, and social status, including discussions of real growth, unemployment, inflation, health, poverty, education, and gender issues. This is followed by a comprehensive look at what the author identifies as the three dominant characteristics of the political economy of Iraq: corruption, political instability, and petroleum. Using these foundational ideas as a springboard, the book then provides a detailed breakdown of the Iraqi economy by sector, as well as discussions of Iraq’s fiscal, monetary, and exchange rate policies. The final chapter identifies the major trends that will determine the course of future economic development in Iraq and provides insightful recommendations for encouraging positive economic growth.
Offering the most comprehensive and timely discussion of Iraq’s economy to date, this critical volume will appeal to students and professors of international studies, political economy, and Middle East studies as well as anyone considering doing business in this rapidly changing economy.
Critical Acclaim
‘Frank Gunter has written the definitive account in English of the contemporary Iraqi economy. . . Following a brief history and overview, chapters cover social indicators, corruption, macroeconomic policy, state-owned enterprises, entrepreneurship, oil agriculture, banks, infrastructure, and international trade. The scope of coverage and degree of detail is matched by clear exposition and thoughtful analysis. . . While his optimism about and affection for Iraq is obvious, he is refreshingly blunt about the systemic problems often downplayed in reports from international organizations. . . ’
– P. Clawson, Choice
– P. Clawson, Choice
Contents
Contents: Preface 1. Iraq’s Lost Decades 2. Population and Key Macroeconomic Variables 3. Health, Poverty, Education, and Gender Issues 4. Corruption 5. Political Stability and Economic Development 6. Oil and Gas 7. Agriculture and the Public Distribution System 8. Financial Intermediation 9. State-owned Enterprises 10. Entrepreneurship in Post-conflict Iraq 11. Infrastructure and Essential Services 12. International Trade and Finance 13. Fiscal, Monetary, and Exchange Rate Policy 14. Iraq in 2025 Bibliography Index
