ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an overview of the general lack of accountability among the 22 Arab nations and the paternalistic relationship between government and citizens. A general lack of citizen information about governance, budgeting, and resource distribution exists in the region. National governments are the primary source for the allocation of financial subsidies and security, either through the collection of taxes, or the availability of oil wealth among several of the states. National governments accordingly are the main power for allocating resources for social programs and providing security. Subsequently, citizen taxpaying power is diminished, as is their knowledge of revenue availability and distribution. State power is further enhanced as the private sector also heavily depends on the protection of and subsidization by the state.
Although several Arab states have established agencies to address corruption by government officials, their effectiveness continues to be a work in progress. Twelve Arab nations have progressed to offering e-government services, although most are still at the informational stage. Combating corruption in most Arab nations is relatively challenging, given that access to information is limited, and the media is limited in its ability to provide information about corrupt practices.
