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The Impact of the Arab Spring on the Tunisian Economy

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  • Samer Matta
  • Simon Appleton
  • Michael Bleaney

Abstract

We use Synthetic Control Methodology to estimate the output loss in Tunisia as a result of the “Arab spring”. Our results suggest that each Tunisian citizen lost, on average, an estimated US$ 600 (5.5 percent of GDP), US$ 574 (5.1 percent of GDP) and US$ 735 (6.4 percent of GDP) in 2011, 2012 and 2013, respectively. These findings are robust to a series of tests. Investment was the main channel through which the economy was impacted by the Arab Spring, as investors were afraid to invest in a highly volatile political environment.

Suggested Citation

  • Samer Matta & Simon Appleton & Michael Bleaney, 2015. "The Impact of the Arab Spring on the Tunisian Economy," Discussion Papers 2015-09, University of Nottingham, CREDIT.
    • Handle: RePEc:not:notcre:15/09
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