Economic Research Forum (ERF)

Inflation targeting and exchange rate flexibility in Egypt

The degree of exchange rate flexibility within an inflation targeting framework matters in emerging economies. This column reports research that ...


Arab development as freedom

There is widespread discontent and social unrest in the Arab world, a direct result of decades of failed economic and ...


Foreign investment and domestic production complexity in Turkey

Inflows of foreign direct investment can act as a catalyst for domestic firms to develop sophisticated manufacturing products, according to ...


From energy subsidies to universal basic income: lessons from Iran

In December 2010, Iran introduced an ambitious energy subsidy reform that combined large price increases for fuel with generous cash ...


Effectiveness of export sanctions: evidence from Iran

Whether export sanctions are effective depends on their goal. This column highlights that if the goal is to reduce total ...


Housing policy and marriage: evidence from Egypt, Jordan and Tunisia

At a time when young people in MENA countries face an increasingly protracted and difficult transition to adulthood, how can ...


Does political conflict hurt trade? Evidence from consumer boycotts

The use of trade policy tools such as boycotts, embargoes and sanctions has become increasingly prevalent in international conflicts. This ...


Lebanon’s challenge of fiscal sustainability

New legislation by the Lebanese government, which provides a big boost to the salaries of public sector employees, puts considerable ...