Forcing Freedom

Forcing Freedom considers the "means versus ends" dilemma in economic reform and also elaborates on "the orthodox paradox," the increasing importance of state involvement in the implementation of liberal political and economic reforms, in respect to privatization in Egypt and Tunisia. In these countries, the political regimes are stable and the leaders have adopted a pragmatic course toward economic liberalization, but the local elite continues to show an ambivalent attitude toward market-oriented reforms due to its vested interests in the existing political and social order. What these countries need, the book argues, are reform-minded governments that are willing to resort to illiberal means, such as restrictive policies, increased centralized involvement and political control over the process, in order to achieve liberal ends.