New MAS Publication: International Academic Symposium Book
The Palestine Economic Policy Research Institute (MAS) is pleased to announce the publication of the book documenting the proceedings of the International Academic Symposium titled "Priorities for Palestine's Economy in the Midst of War," held in Ramallah on December 4, 2024.
The volume brings together leading Palestinian and international economists who presented original research and engaged in critical dialogue around the political, economic, and development challenges facing Palestine amid the ongoing war. This Symposium examined the political economy of the long, unfinished road to Palestinian development, both obstacles encountered and accelerators, with an eye to the interaction of the political-economic-social indicators in a situation of prolonged conflict. Across six themes/sessions, the Symposium unpacked the power dynamics that have blocked development and for the past year threatened the very socio-economic existence of the Palestinian people under occupation through massive economic destruction and social upheaval.
Papers prepared by MAS for discussion at the Symposium reflect on optional scenarios for the post-war phase, including Palestinian governance strategies, immediate socio-economic challenges and priorities, and the (legal, institutional and political) tools at the disposal of the Palestinian people to actively determine their future. They also analyze the economic policies and strategies that are needed to support Palestine’s struggle for independence, focusing on self-sufficiency, economic resilience and productive capacity, trade expansion and market diversification and sustainable growth. The issues also include concern about how to strengthen the social contract in Palestine, focusing on how governance, economic policies, and social services can be aligned to meet public expectations and foster social cohesion.
The book includes the following contributions:
- Dr. Maher El-Kurd: Political Scenarios and Development Strategies for a War-Torn Economy
- Dr. Samia Al-Botmeh: Palestinian Agriculture, Food Security and Incomes in the Context of War
- Mr. Habib Hinn: Managing Banking and Money under Occupation
- Mr. Zayne Abu Daqqa: Innovation and Industrial Policy: Harnessing the Knowledge Economy for Recovery
- Ms. Anmar Rafeedi: Social Protection to Combat Mass Poverty and Fragility
- Dr. Rabeh Morrar: Investment in Green Infrastructure and Climate Change Adaptation in Palestine
Each paper was met with commentary and discussion by globally renowned economists including Mushtaq Khan, Jomo Kwame Sundaram, Heiner Flassbeck, Mariana Mazzucato, Jayati Ghosh, and Jeffrey Sachs.
Raja Khalidi, Director-General of MAS prefaces the volume noting that “These comments on each of these Palestinian papers by a panel of distinguished international scholars, friends of Palestine and leaders in heterodox economics, enriched the local perspective and provided complementary expert advice that Palestinian policy makers are well advised to take account of. MAS is deeply grateful to these friends who contributed freely their time and wisdom to provide Palestinian with the benefit of their experience and insights, all in the spirit of justice and freedom that binds us more broadly.”
The book is available in English for download at: Priorities for Palestine’s Economy in the Midst of War - International Academic Symposium