“The Digital Double Bind” and Internet Development Pathways in MENA
Host Alex Farley sits down with Joe F. Khalil and Mohamed Zayani to discuss their latest book, “The Digital Double Bind: Change and Stasis in the Middle East.” In the book, the authors discuss the development of the telecommunications industry in the Middle East and its impact on the development of the internet in the region. The conversation explores infrastructure development, early chatrooms experiences, and the evolving world of political speech on the internet in the Arab World.
On this episode:
1:54 – Inspiration for the book
7:02 – Defining the digital double bind
12:50 – Development of ICT in MENA
22:40 – Connections between states and markets
31:04 – Building a history of the Arab Internet
37:45 – Looking at the startup ecosystem today
References:
The Digital Double Bind: Change and Stasis in the Middle East
By Mohamed Zayani and Joe F. Khalil, Oxford University Press, 2024
Guests
Moderator
Middle East Program
The Wilson Center’s Middle East Program serves as a crucial resource for the policymaking community and beyond, providing analyses and research that helps inform US foreign policymaking, stimulates public debate, and expands knowledge about issues in the wider Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Read more
The MENA Workforce Development Initiative
The Middle East and North Africa Workforce Development Initiative (MENA-WDI) aims to assess both current and projected challenges facing the region in developing the workforce and the implications for peace and stability. Read more
Related Episodes
Browse all episodes
Program Director Merissa Khurma Discusses Takeaways from Riyada Year One
Palestinian Film Maker and Poet Injects Authenticity and Empowerment into the Industry
USAID’s Jordan Mission Director on Youth and Women Entrepreneurship
