Professor Jared Rubin has authored two superb books, “Rulers, Religion and Riches” and “How the World Became Rich”. He joined my podcast, to discuss:

- Why did the Middle East Fall Behind?

- What caused the shift to Scriptural Literalism?

- What explains the Rise and Decline of Sufism?

- How important was Wahhabism and Saudi Petrodollars?

- Why were Liberalising Reforms Short-Lived?

- Why has Digital Technology been More Disruptive in MENA?

- What’s Constraining Middle East Economic Growth?