Check out the new (open access) APSR article by @ferdinandeibl and me about why some oil-rich states build generous welfare states while others become kleptocracies.

New paper accepted by Studies in Comparative International Development, just in time for Xmas! I investigate the growing divide in GCC labour markets between “insider” citizens holding a secure public sector job and “outsider” citizens who don't: https://t.co/eLjzCDnYsO (ungated)

State-led industrial policy is back in fashion, perhaps nowhere more than in the GCC. But how can states intervene effectively & when should they hold back? Here's my new paper, written with @strategyandME, on how to get industrial policy right in the GCC:

Fantastic to see @shertog1’s element in our Politics of Development series, “Locked Out of Development” & @noahlnathan’s “The Scarce State” named best books of 2023 by @ForeignAffairs! @BeattyRiedl @CUP_PoliSci @CUP_Elements

@ferdinandeibl & @shertog1 ask why some, but not all, oil-rich states provide generous welfare to their populations. They argue subversive, anti-systemic threats motivate ruling elites in oil states to co-opt the citizenry using welfare. #APSRFirstView. https://t.co/aN73111nKI

On 28 Nov we'll launch our first-of-its-kind report on social protection for migrant workers in the GCC with @iloarabstates. We’ll convene actors working on migrant rights in the GCC & beyond to share new insights for policy reforms & advocacy. Register: https://t.co/iDLVFALCSx

I wish as academics we could focus on producing evidence and not waste time reformatting. I am glad this has now been quantified. But I would like to think these may reflect a lower bound on the true cost as there is an extensive margin as well. I have a whole trail of perfectly

Some in @ucu think 'solidarity' means undermining support for people being subjected to horrific atrocities on a daily basis. @uculeft retweeted the graphic below twice today. Pitting victims of war against striking workers is the opposite of solidarity. I hope @ucu disowns this.

Join Professor @KatyaH_kenkyuu, @oiioxford as she hosts the workshop: "Care, Autonomy, and Technology”. The event will examine the relationship between technology and caregiving within families. Sign up to join remotely: https://t.co/cIEMbEbahh September 25 | 14:00 - 18:00

Come join the Department of Government at the LSE! https://t.co/F9YxIfnhmN

Currently, someone applying for a 2.5 year spouse visa with their two children has to pay £10,000 in visa fees. Under the new proposal, this would be a MIND BLOWING £22,000. For just 2.5 years. That they’ll have to extend once and then make a settlement application.

Check out my short ERF op-ed on why insider-outsider divisions on Arab labour markets are such a persistent and damaging issue:

The graph below shows how well the richest Top 1% have done across different countries over the past 200 years. Some interesting patterns explored in 🧵. #dataviz

This is pure speculation, but I'm already hearing rumours that a replacement is being lined up for #Putin...

I’m beginning to think that giving a psychopath his own private army of criminals was not a good idea.

If you want to know what the book is about, join us (ONLINE) for a conversation with @HanaaAlmoaibed + @shertog1, June 13, 5 pm London time:

Join World Bank colleagues and me in an onlie discussion on Accelerating Human Capital in the #GCC tomorrow, where I will speak about the changing GCC social contract and how to make it more inclusive: https://t.co/n2IWwVsdeX #Jobs #Saudi @i_abousleiman@worldbankmena

Useful FT piece by Samer Al-Atrush about the new state capitalism in Saudi Arabia, with some citations from yours truly:

If you're born in a poor country with a weak passport and work in academia, don't dream of attending conferences abroad. Obtaining a visa appointment is impossible, causing immense stress. The policy discriminates against developing countries. Accept your fate, cease your efforts

Here's literally what a UK government official sent to me in an email.