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Laith Alajlouni is a Jordanian political economist and social policy researcher specializing in the political economy of development in the Middle East region. He worked as an economic and public policy analyst at the Jordan Strategy Forum (JSF). He also published several articles on the socio-economic situation in Jordan (in English and Arabic). Laith wrote for different international institutions including the Middle East Institute in Washington DC, the Institute for International Political Studies – ISPI, and the LSE Middle East Center. He also worked as an independent consultant for different institutions in Jordan and abroad. Most recently, Laith earned his master’s degree in political science from the Central European University in Vienna, Austria. His professional interests include public policy analysis, social policy, education policy, and development economics. Currently, Laith is working as an independent political and public policy consultant.
In the past few years, Jordan’s public debt has become a major policy concern for the government, the international community, and key donors that support Amman. The public debt has risen significantly over the past 15 years, raising many questions about Jordan’s future macroeconomic stability, public debt sustainability, and the government’s ability to finance development projects.
Overcoming unemployment in Jordan: The need for evidence-based policies
In the last few years, it has become conventional wisdom that unemployment is Jordan’s most pressing challenge. While King Abdullah himself has stressed on many occasions that reducing unemployment is a top priority, the number of unemployed is still on the rise. This problem can be overcome with evidence-based active labor market policies, which are lacking in Jordan.
Since the establishment of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan a hundred years ago, many have argued at one point or another that the country is on the brink of political or economic instability. It seems increasingly true these days, however. The unexpected shock of the COVID-19 pandemic adds even more pressure to the already floundering economy.
