The Role of Institutions in the Success and Failure of Middle Eastern and African Countries

Institutions and systems governing societies are considered the main factor in the economic success or failure of countries in the Middle East and Africa. This analysis clearly shows why some countries have become trapped in cycles of poverty and collapse.

Extractive Institutions and Africa's Challenges

African countries face developmental crises due to the presence of extractive institutions, which are deliberately designed to siphon wealth from the majority to benefit small minorities. These institutions have roots in a long history of exploitation and colonization and have influenced the social structure of the continent from the era of slavery to colonial exploitation. In this context, the main challenge for post-colonial African governments is to create accountable and democratic institutions that serve the public good.

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Nigeria's Experience and Political Crises

Nigeria, despite its abundant natural resources and a population of over 200 million, clearly illustrates the absence of a valid social contract. Since independence, the country has faced a vacuum of credible and effective institutions. At the local level, legitimate institutions exist, but the main challenge is to transform this legitimacy into a cohesive national framework. Currently, national policies are heavily influenced by corruption and clientelist behaviors.

Although there are serious figures in the current government, such as Bola Tinubu, who helped improve infrastructure and security as the governor of Lagos in the 1990s, managing Nigeria's complex political landscape requires effective political and economic strategies that are still lacking.

Ultimately, the lack of a comprehensive and effective political vision compared to the early post-colonial period is evident. In the 1950s and 60s, leaders of developing countries proposed powerful ideas for nation-building that are desperately needed today. Instead, political discourse has been reduced to zero-sum games and transactional politics.

When this model of institutions is transferred to the Middle East and North Africa, deeper divisions become apparent. Countries like Syria and Iraq have a similar experience to African countries and are trapped under dictatorships. In contrast, Gulf countries like the United Arab Emirates and Qatar have managed to create effective institutions by utilizing traditional structures.

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