Social Policy after the Arab Spring: States and Social Rights in the MENA Region

We examine prospects for the shift from an authoritarian corporatist social policy regime to a democratic and developmental one, in light of popular socio-economic and political grievances and demands. Social policy can bring about a sense of inclusion, belonging, and rights on the part of beneficiaries, and is necessary for a well-functioning and dynamic economy. Democratic and developmental political systems in the region will largely depend on the social policy regime that emerges from social dialogs among different interest groups. References to recent debates in Tunisia suggest both prospects and challenges.