ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses the role of coercive institutions in the political economies of the Middle East, outlining the ways in which military rule affects development trajectories, contributes to authoritarian durability, and arguably shaped the trajectories of political transitions during and after the Arab uprisings. It traces military spending across country groups in the region, situating them in cross-national perspective and highlighting debates about the relationship between military and development spending. The chapter describes the historical record of war and conflict in the region and its implications for development and governance. It shows how the military and security forces feature in diverse political settlements in the region, detailing the often central positions they occupy in authoritarian coalitions in diverse Middle Eastern political regimes. The chapter also addresses the ongoing debates about the role of the military in shaping the nature and outcomes of the recent wave of popular uprisings across the Middle East.
