The region that includes the Middle East and Northern Africa (MENA) faces a diverse set of cultural, political, and economic issues. Exploring the countries that are considered to be a part of the MENA region as well as comparing this region to the rest of the developing and developed world provides essential insight into the current state of the region as well and its future outlook. Comparative Political and Economic Perspectives on the MENA Region takes a critical approach to analyzing the socio-economic development of the MENA Region and the role of politics and various social issues in this development. Highlighting research-based perspectives from global leaders on topics such as decentralization, international affairs, the Arab Spring, foreign direct investment, and education in the Middle East and Northern Africa, this publication is designed for library reference section inclusion and meets the research needs of government officials, professionals specializing in international business, economists, researchers, and graduate-level students in the areas of economics, international politics, African and Middle Eastern studies, and regional development.