The Arab Human Development Report – Envisioning an Arab Renaissance

ditor’s Introduction: The Arab Human Development Report (ahdr) has had a noteworthy career. Within the Arab world, it has stimulated debate and controversy. In Europe and the United States, since its publication almost every discussion about development, democratization, and reform in Arab countries has made reference to the ahdr’s findings. Furthermore, outside reform initiatives, such as those envisioned in the usa’s Greater Middle East Initiative, have been linked to the report. The report is thus a prime example of the power of ideas and the difficult interrelationship between knowledge and politics, which is particularly relevant to the sensitive relations between the usa and the Arab world since September 11. The following contribution by the lead author of the ahdr explains the original idea behind the report, comments on the political reactions, and envisions a reform path which translates analytical insights into societal reform from within.