Revisiting Transition Economies: the Syrian Experience
Tue, 08 Dec 2015 10:00:00 GMT
The Business School’s Emerging Markets Research Group (EMERGE) heard Dr Mahmoud Alajaty from the University of Huddersfield, present his research on the process of transition in the very specific and unique context of the Syrian economy.
Mahmoud joined the Business School at Huddersfield University in June 2014 as a Lecturer in Strategy. Previously, he taught International Business at the University of Hull Business School. Between 2005 and 2008, he worked as a lecturer and assistant training manager at the National Institute in Damascus, Syria.
Mahmoud says “There have been no in depth studies of post Socialist transition in the Middle East. Syria’s experience is therefore a useful one to explore given its historically important role in the region. The Syrian economic transition, from the early 1990s, was in two phases: an incremental liberalization phase and a transition to Social Market Economy phase. During both phases, Syrian policy makers showed a preference for a gradualist approach to economic transition, rather than a big-bang approach. This was facilitated by oil revenues and subsidies from the Gulf States. The Syrian experience therefore has its own distinct characteristics, as well as elements in common with the transitions in other post Socialist economies.”
Professor John Anchor, Director of the Emerging Markets Research Group, says “Mahmoud’s work on post socialist transition in Syria is fascinating and can be compared to the more numerous studies of Central and Eastern Europe. His research therefore adds to our collective wisdom in a number of important ways. It is very sad that Syria is now in such turmoil but I am thankful that Mahmoud was able to complete his data collection before the civil war began.”
