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Religious Cycles of Government Responsiveness: Why Governments Distribute in Ramadan

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  • Mohamed, Ahmed Ezzeldin

    (Toulouse School of Economics)

Abstract

This paper studies why governments in Muslim autocracies expand distributive policies and service delivery during Ramadan. Focusing on Egypt from 2014 to 2020, it argues that autocratic regimes distribute during Ramadan to contain political threats emerging from reputational pressure and mobilization risks. Using municipal-level data on government-reported economic benefits, it finds greater reported distribution in Ramadan, especially in places where threats are higher.

Suggested Citation

  • Mohamed, Ahmed Ezzeldin, 2026. "Religious Cycles of Government Responsiveness: Why Governments Distribute in Ramadan," SocArXiv pfv89_v1, Center for Open Science.
    • Handle: RePEc:osf:socarx:pfv89_v1
    DOI: 10.31219/osf.io/pfv89_v1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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