Abstract: Dr Azmeh will provide an economic perspective of recent developments in the Middle East. Focusing on the Syrian case, the lecture will explore the evolution of state institutions in the Syrian case and how the interaction of socio-economic and sectarian factors contributed to the disintegration of state institutions in the last few years.
Dr Shamel Azmeh is a professional economist who is Assistant Professor in International Development at the University of Bath. He is currently leading a three-year collaboration project at the Centre with the American University in Cairo entitled 'North Africa’s Deep Integration with the EU: A Path to Upgrading and Diversification or to preserve the Region’s Position in Mediterranean Production Networks'. The project examines the integration of Morocco, Egypt, and Tunisia in 'Mediterranean Production Networks' with European partners. Shamel has more than ten years of experience in research, teaching, and policy work on issues related to international political economy, trade, global production networks, and industrial policy with a focus on the Middle East and North Africa region.