In this research, I discuss whether Islamic principles may serve as a valid alternative approach for economic development. Specifically, I test whether being an Islamic country since the Islamic...Show moreIn this research, I discuss whether Islamic principles may serve as a valid alternative approach for economic development. Specifically, I test whether being an Islamic country since the Islamic revival of the 1970s affects the country’s total factor productivity (TFP). Using statistical methods of the analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the ordinary least squares (OLS) regression on cross-country data between 1974–2017, I find that the Islamic revival of the 1970s in Muslim countries is not associated with the countries’ total factor productivity (TFP), measured as the relative value against the benchmark of the United States’ total factor productivity (TFP).Show less
This paper argues in favor of characterizing Saparmurat Niyazov's rule as sultanistic. The paper does this on the claim that authoritarian regimes are defined in broad terms and hence there is a...Show moreThis paper argues in favor of characterizing Saparmurat Niyazov's rule as sultanistic. The paper does this on the claim that authoritarian regimes are defined in broad terms and hence there is a clear theoretical gap that needs to be filled with alternative theories that make detailed analysis of regimes possible. Therefore sultanism was selected as an under researched political theory, that has a strong relationship with Niyazov's rule. The thesis examines the definition of sultanism in contrast to authoritarian and totalitarian regimes in order to establish vital characteristics that make sultanism unique. It then applies these characteristics to the lack of ideological significance under Niyazov's regime, the manipulation and control of the political structure and the set up of a kleptocracy. The analysis of these establishes that Niyazov's rule is sultanistic.Show less
