UDC 339.56.055; JEL C92, D02, D03, H41, N15, N45
Zhyvko, M. A., & Zastavnyy, A. R. (2023). Frahmentatsiya Blyz'koho Skhodu: sotsial'nyy ta ekonomichnyy aspekt [Fragmentation of the Middle East: social and economic aspects]. Rehional'na ekonomika - Regional Economy, 108 (2), 146-154. DOI: https://doi.org/10.36818/1562-0905-2023-2-15 [in Ukrainian].
Sources: 11

Authors



Zhyvko Maksym Andriyovych

Ph.D. of Economics

Deputy Director of the Academic Institute of International Relations n.a. B. D. Havrylyshyn of the Western Ukrainian National University

Contacts: m.zhyvko.wunu.edu.ua, arximax2008@gmail.com

Webpages:

Zastavnyy Andriy Romanovych

Postgraduate of the Department of international economics of the Academic Institute of International Relations n.a. B. D. Havrylyshyn of the Western Ukrainian National University

Contacts: a.zastavnyy24@gmail.com

Webpages:

Resume

The article aims to deepen the theoretical foundations of the fragmentation of the Middle Eastern countries in terms of socio-economic factors that have significantly influenced stability and development in the region. The authors highlight the consequences of fragmentation for various aspects of social life, including political stability, social cohesion, economic development, and human well-being. The article outlines potential strategies and interventions to address these challenges in order to contribute to a more inclusive and prosperous Middle East. The authors analyze the ethnic, religious, and cultural differences in the Middle East that have contributed to social fragmentation and led to tensions and conflicts that ultimately impede socio-economic development. Fragmentation is shown to have affected social cohesion and cultural identity in the region. Differences based on ethnicity, religion, and political preferences hinder social integration, leading to increased social tensions and potential conflicts. Political instability and governance problems, including weak governance structures and authoritarian regimes, are analyzed. The article reveals that political instability has contributed to fragmentation in the region due to the lack of inclusive governance systems and effective institutions, which hinders economic growth and social progress. The fragmentation of political stability and security in the Middle East is assessed. Internal conflicts, inter-confessional tensions, and the rise of non-state actors pose serious challenges to regional stability and cooperation. The authors show that the unequal distribution of wealth and resources, combined with high levels of poverty and unemployment, has increased social inequality and created economic fractures in the region. Limited regional cooperation, trade barriers, and political instability impede economic growth, preventing the creation of sustainable livelihoods and opportunities.

Keywords:

Middle East, fragmentation, socio-economic factors, social cohesion, economic development, political stability, human well-being

References


1. Smith, D. Introduction: International security, armaments and disarmament. In SIPRI Yearbook 2018. Pp. 3-20. Retrieved from https://www.sipri.org/sites/default/files/SIPRIYB18c01.pdf
2. Lust, E. M. (2019). The Middle East. 15th Edition. SAGE Publications Inc.
3. Hinnebusch, R. 2003. The international politics of the Middle East. Manchester University Press. Retrieved from https://d-nb.info/1191288463/34
4. Gerges, F. A. (2018, Apr 28). The Secret Islamist Society That Nurtured Jihadist Terrorism. Daily Beast: Website. Retrieved from https://www.thedailybeast.com/the-secret-islamist-society-that-nurtured-jihadist-terrorism?ref=wrap
5. Heydemann, S. (2013). Tracking the «Arab Spring»: Syria and the Future of Authoritarianism. Journal of Democracy, 24(4), 59-73. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1353/jod.2013.0067
6. Nissanke, M., & Mavrotas, G. (Eds.) (2017). Commodities, Governance and Economic Development under Globalization. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan. Retrieved from hptts//vdoc.pub_commodities-governance-and-economic-development-under-globalization.pdf
7. Benghalem, A., Maliki, S. B. E., Kertous, M., & Hilmi, N. (2022). Assessing the Relationship between Entrepreneurship and Economic Development in the MENA Region: An Empirical Investigation. World Journal of Entrepreneurship, Management and Sustainable Development, 18(5), 555-573. DOI: https://doi.org/10.47556/J.WJEMSD.18.5.2022.1
8. Kabbani, N. (2022). Youth Employment in the Middle East and North Africa: Revisiting and Reframing the Challenge. Brookings Institution: Website. Retrieved from https://www.brookings.edu/articles/youth-employment-in-the-middle-east-and-north-africa-revisiting-and-reframing-the-challenge
9. Majumdar, S. (2022, Nov 29). How COVID-19 Restrictions Affected Religious Groups Around the World in 2020. Pew Research Center: Website. Retrieved from https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2022/11/29/how-covid-19-restrictions-affected-religious-groups-around-the-world-in-2020
10. Maliki, S., & Benghalem, A. (2019). Feedback effects of Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Economic Development: Empirical evidence from selected MENA Countries. Proceedings of The World Conference on Management and Economics. Frankfurt.
11. The World bank: Website (2022). Retrieved from https://www.worldbank.org