The Economic Impact of Conflicts and the Refugee Crisis in the Middle East and North Africa

Bjoern Rother, Gaelle Pierre, Davide Lombardo, Risto Herrala, C. Priscilla Toffano, Erik Roos, Allan Auclair and Karina Manasseh

No 2016/008, IMF Staff Discussion Notes from International Monetary Fund

Abstract: In recent decades, the Middle East and North Africa region (MENA) has experienced more frequent and severe conflicts than in any other region of the world, exacting a devastating human toll. The region now faces unprecedented challenges, including the emergence of violent non-state actors, significant destruction, and a refugee crisis bigger than any since World War II. This paper raises awareness of the economic costs of conflicts on the countries directly involved and on their neighbors. It argues that appropriate macroeconomic policies can help mitigate the impact of conflicts in the short term, and that fostering higher and more inclusive growth can help address some of the root causes of conflicts over the long term. The paper also highlights the crucial role of external partners, including the IMF, in helping MENA countries tackle these challenges.

Keywords: SDN; conflict country; refugee crisis; central bank; economic activity; country authorities; Middle East and North Africa; conflicts; refugees; macroeconomic policy; economic spillovers; post-conflict reconstruction; international community; MENA region; MENA country; physical capital; financial support; IMF staff calculation; growth potential; MENA conflict country; Labor markets; Infrastructure; Inflation; Middle East; North Africa; Global; East Africa; Europe (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 43
Date: 2016-09-16
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (13)

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