Freedom and economic prosperity

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reflect on the relationship between political freedom and economic prosperity. The paper sheds light on what makes economic growth and opportunities possible and how lack of political freedom obstructs economic growth.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses the concept of freedom deficit in the context of the Arab world. The paper relies on recent debates on the state of economic ills in the region.

Findings

Based on a survey of the current literature on the state of economic and political freedom in the Arab world, the paper demonstrates that only under conditions of free access to economic opportunities and personal freedom will people in the region be able to overcome their economic misery and move forward to participate in the global economy.

Originality/value

The paper reflects on the state of the Arab world relative to other regions and makes a powerful argument that without allowing the people to utilize their potential and have unrestricted access to economic opportunities, the chances for the Arab world to economically join the rest of the world's progress are slim.

Citation

J. Ali, A. (2014), "Freedom and economic prosperity", International Journal of Commerce and Management, Vol. 24 No. 1, pp. 2-5. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJCoMA-12-2013-0127