September 9, 2012

Not Enough Shekels

Poverty and Unemployment in Palestinian Occupied territories: UN report paints grim picture
Click here (Examiner) to learn about a newly issued United Nations report detailing the economic and social challenges facing the residents of the Palestinian Territories...

Do you think greater economic prosperity might lead to greater political stability with Israel? Why or why not?

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

In political economy class, the professors explain te various macro-economic theories had whithin this last century (Kain vs Hayak; government-regulated or unregulated), and there has been some evidence suggesting that free-market economies work better and are great relievers from old failed economic and political systems. Though economists still aren't sure what happens with the economy and how a change (weather good or bad) will affect the social or politici-economic situation.
My thought is that a stronger regional economy would make dealing with the politics of the system in terms of resolving the issue much easier, as the political focus could shift from the despairities or from the poverty and lowerclass issues to the resolution of the problem at hand.
-Shaun

Dr. Paul Korchin said...

Interesting observations, Shaun. It seems to bring up questions about whether economic prosperity dampens political activism, or whether such prosperity allows people the 'luxury' of becoming political. Do people rebel when they have nothing left to lose, or when they can afford to lose (some) of what they've already got??

pdk

Unknown said...

In the Caplan book, I was reading about the different layers of contention that contribute to the conflict. Economic insecurity is yet another layer that adds to the complexity of this conflict. People under economic stress are more likely to protest--especially since an option open to people in other parts of the world (moving away or commuting to find work) is not a viable option for Palestinians living in Gaza.

Valerie