Turkey and Its Central Bank: Turning Heads

When the Turkish government in mid-October removed three members of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), the reaction was somewhat predictable. After all, the writing had been on the wall. But what difference does it make to Turkish monetary policy? Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the all-powerful Turkish president, on Thursday, October 14, ousted three key members ofContinue reading “Turkey and Its Central Bank: Turning Heads”

A Study of the Past for Understanding the Sudan of Today

The Economic and Political Development of the Sudanby Francis A. Lees and Hugh C. Brooks The Sudan is one of the (few) exciting cases of democratic transition and as such has featured strongly not only on the frontpages across the world but also as a key factor for international development. Testimony to which was theContinue reading “A Study of the Past for Understanding the Sudan of Today”

Sudan Investment Conference: Are the Hopes of the Democratic Government Justified?

When Sudan’s Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok today addresses the investment conference initiated by French President Emmanuel Macron, he can be sure of the full attention not just of the other heads of state and dignitaries, but also of the wider population in his country. With fuel and food supplies reportedly under stress and rising pricesContinue reading “Sudan Investment Conference: Are the Hopes of the Democratic Government Justified?”

Libyan Firms Face Plethora of Challenges

The Private Sector Amid Conflict The Case of Libya by Aminur Rahman and Michele Di Maio The visit of Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi to Libya in early April 2021 highlighted the hopes of some of the many actors with a stake in the Libyan drama of escaping the dark years. Italy in particular isContinue reading “Libyan Firms Face Plethora of Challenges”

Ray of Hope for New Economic Policy in Turkey

The change was rather abrupt: Recep Tayyip Erdogan exchanged his central bank governor and the finance minister both within a few days in November. Shortly after, interest rates were dramatically hiked to halt the fall of the Turkish lira. If he had planned to surprise the markets, he has succeeded, but observers still question hisContinue reading “Ray of Hope for New Economic Policy in Turkey”

Foreign Investors Feel the Pinch in Turkey

Turkish authorities in recent months have taken steps to reign in what they believe are activities that harm the Turkish economy. Global banks such as Goldman Sachs, Barclays and UBS have been sanctioned by the banking regulator and the Istanbul stock market. Observers say that the sanctions have come as a reaction to the weaknessContinue reading “Foreign Investors Feel the Pinch in Turkey”