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Economics

The Political Economy of Authoritarian Regimes

Quick fact

During the Arab Spring, political leaders in Tunisia and Egypt rapidly expanded food subsidies and public sector wages in response to protests, yet these last-minute economic handouts failed to save their regimes.

Why this is interesting

You might think dictators rule purely by force, but many keep their grip on power through surprisingly generous social programs and economic rewards. Why would a regime that lacks elections ever care about the poor?