Root Causes of Socio-Political, and Economic Unrest in the Middle East
- Economic Disparities and Food Insecurity: High unemployment, poverty, and rising food prices have fueled social unrest, with proactive governance and equitable economic growth being essential for stability.
- Political Instability and Authoritarianism: Long-standing oppressive regimes, corruption, and lack of democratic freedoms have created fertile grounds for unrest, as seen during the Arab Spring.
- External and Regional Influences: Western interventions, sectarian conflicts, and rivalries between regional powers like Saudi Arabia and Iran exacerbate instability, complicating efforts for lasting peace.
The Middle East has historically been a region marked by significant political instability, social unrest, and economic inequalities. To comprehend the underlying factors contributing to this turmoil, it is essential to conduct a comprehensive analysis that explores both internal contradictions and external influences. The combination of economic disparity, political corruption, food scarcity, and foreign interventions has intensified conflicts within the region, as demonstrated by extensive scholarly and analytical research on the topic.
The political instability that emerged in the Arab world, which drew significant global attention during the Arab Spring of 2010-2011, can be linked to fundamental issues present within each nation. As highlighted by AN (2018), “the turmoil has fully exposed the many contradictions facing Arab countries” and underscored “the strong desire of the Arab people for novelty, change, and an appropriate development path.” Long-standing issues, including oppressive regimes, corruption, and a deficiency in democratic freedoms, have created a conducive environment for unrest. Leaders such as Ben Ali, Mubarak, and Gaddafi maintained their authority for decades, centralizing power while failing to implement necessary reforms. This lack of progress left the populace disenchanted and yearning for change.
Economic inequality is a fundamental driver of social unrest. The rise in unemployment, especially among the youth, and the prevalence of poverty have significantly increased social dissatisfaction. AN (2018) points out that in Tunisia, the unemployment rate for individuals aged 15 to 29 was as high as 52%, while nearly half of Egypt’s population lived below the poverty line. This economic marginalization not only led to widespread frustration but also catalyzed the protests that resulted in the collapse of regimes across the region.
According to Shahabadi et al. (2024), wealth, income, and gender disparities are the main causes of social conflict, underscoring the role of economic inequality in igniting unrest. The authors contend that “the unfair distribution of income and wealth puts the low-income class of society under economic pressure,” which leads to demonstrations and revolts. Moreover, this disparity is made worse by growing inflation, which lowers household purchasing power and increases the wealth difference. According to the study, because inflation undermines the financial security of disadvantaged groups, it has a “positive and significant impact on the social unrest index.”
Additionally, a rise in GDP per capita could serve to diminish unrest by improving the overall welfare of the populace. According to Shahabadi et al. (2024), “an increase in GDP per capita has a negative and significant impact on the social unrest index,” which suggests that if economic growth is distributed fairly, it may help to ease tensions. However, achieving such growth is fraught with difficulties in a region plagued by resource mismanagement and structural inefficiencies.
The issue of food insecurity is a vital component linking economic and political instability. Escalating food prices, often a result of extreme weather phenomena, have heightened pre-existing discontent in the Middle East. Soffiantini (2020) notes that “food insecurity can exacerbate existing frustrations and disrupt the social and political order of a country.” Throughout the Arab Spring, the surge in food prices significantly contributed to the protests in Egypt, Syria, and Morocco. The varying outcomes of these protests were largely determined by how effectively each government tackled food security concerns.
The surge in food prices in Egypt heightened dissatisfaction with the Mubarak regime, playing a significant role in its eventual demise. In contrast, Morocco’s strategy of subsidizing basic food products successfully mitigated potential unrest. This analysis illustrates the vital importance of proactive governance in alleviating the effects of food insecurity.
The stability of the area has been made more difficult by outside forces, especially the participation of western powers. The US inflated the “Arab Spring” and the “Arab revolution” with the intention of directing the unrest toward “the anti-authoritarian fight for democracy,” according to AN (2018). These interventions frequently destabilized fragile systems, despite their purported goal of advancing democratic reforms. For example, protracted wars and humanitarian problems resulted from military involvement in Libya and assistance for rebel forces in Syria.
Meanwhile, regional superpowers like Saudi Arabia and Iran have had a big impact on the political scene. Tribal disputes, sectarian divisions, and the emergence of Islamic fanaticism have further shattered the area. AN (2018) notes that attempts to establish enduring peace have become more difficult because “the inherent tribal, sectarian, and ethnic conflicts in these countries have intensified.”
The social, political, and economic instability in the Middle East stems from a complicated network of both internal and external causes. Food insecurity, economic inequality, authoritarian rule, and foreign interference have all contributed to the escalation of hostilities. But as AN (2018) points out, this unrest might mark “the start of a historical period in which Arabs seek a new path of economic development, social justice, democracy, and diplomatic independence.” In order to accomplish these objectives, systemic injustices must be addressed, inclusive government must be promoted, and outside influences must be reduced. The Middle East’s ability to resolve its own conflicts and deal with outside influences will determine its destiny. Proactive measures that address concerns of food security and the economy can be crucial in stabilizing society, as Soffiantini (2020) emphasizes. Similarly, Shahabadi et al. (2024) stress that sustainable economic growth and fair income distribution are critical to lowering discontent. The Middle East may progress toward a more secure and prosperous future with concerted efforts.
The author holds an M.Phil. in English and works as a lecturer and freelance writer, specializing in research and content writing.
