Publication

This paper discusses the political and economic factors behind the 2014/2015 regional instability in the Middle East and Northern Africa (MENA). The author first examines the most important political dynamics in the region, which include the proliferation of extremist groups and growing public resentment against Western engagement, Israel's occupation of Palestine and regional authoritarianism. He then looks at the economic situation, which is significantly shaped by the volatility of oil prices.