Shifting IMF Policies since the Arab Uprisings

CIGI Policy Brief No. 34

March 6, 2014

In the aftermath of the Arab uprisings, the IMF has treated Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia differently than it had in previous years. Since the uprisings, the IMF has focussed more sharply on the social dimensions of its macroeconomic policy advice in these countries. Specifically, the IMF has changed its policy advice concerning growth, inequality, and health and education spending. Although this is a positive change and development of IMF thinking, there is room for improvement. The IMF could strengthen its commitment to the social dimensions of macroeconomic policy by expanding its policy advice on inclusive growth and diversifying its expertise beyond the limits of macroeconomists.

About the Authors

Bessma Momani is a CIGI senior fellow with a Ph.D. in political science, focusing on international political economy. She is currently on sabbatical from the University of Waterloo at the NATO Defense College where she is a fellow examining research and development of emerging and disruptive technologies in dual‑use applications.

Dustyn Lanz is a political economist and author interested in global governance, green economy and sustainable investment. Dustyn is a former Balsillie Fellow with CIGI. He holds an M.A. in global governance from the BSIA, University of Waterloo.