Economics
The Political Role of State-Owned Enterprises in Hybrid Regimes
Quick fact
In hybrid regimes, state-owned enterprises are often deliberately kept 'inefficient' because their real purpose is to channel jobs, contracts, and services to loyal constituencies—turning economic losses into political gains.
Why this is interesting
You've probably heard of state-owned enterprises like oil companies or railways, but in many countries they're not just about business—they're tools of political survival. Why would a government keep inefficient industries running?