'Rivlin's analysis of the Arab economies is the most thorough and astute available today, offering exceptional insights into the interactions of history, politics, and economics across the region. Rivlin focuses our attention on how the Arab world has squandered the 'demographic gift' of a rapidly growing work force and shrinking portion of dependents. He shows how political conservatism has not ... Read moreonly been supported by oil revenues and remittances, it has blocked the reforms needed to promote modern education and rapid industrialization. As a result, rapid labor force growth has not been a source of rising productivity, but of rising unemployment, political restiveness, and radicalism.' Jack A. Goldstone, George Mason University 'Rivlin's book is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the causes and consequences of the poor economic performance of the Arab economies. It presents a coherent and comprehensive analysis of the economic, social, and political factors that hinder economic development and prevent political changes in this important part of the world.' Avner Greif, Stanford University 'Once home to major commercial centers, the Arab world is now a minor player in the world economy. In this nicely crafted book, Paul Rivlin lays out the relevant facts and figures with close attention to variations across countries. He also offers a bold interpretation that centers on institutions, demographic trends, and constraints rooted in religion. The research is imaginative and the synthesis both original and provocative.' Timur Kuran, Duke University 'Rivlin skillfully addresses in comparative context the vital issue of how Arab political economies are dealing with their 'youth bulge.' His investigation of their failure adequately to capitalize on this potential human resource asset sheds valuable new light on both this specific topic and the more general one of Arab economic development.' Robert Springborg, Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey Show Less