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Portrait of Adel Samara

Adel Samara

Palestinian political economist and writer

Born
29 January 1944
Born in
Beit Ur al-Fauqa, near Ramallah, Palestine
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Why Adel is here

Samara has challenged neoliberal policies and fought for economic sovereignty within the context of Palestinian resistance.

Their story

Adel Samara is a Palestinian intellectual, economist, and author who has dedicated his career to critiquing the impact of globalization and neoliberal policies on Palestinian society. His work focuses on economic development under Israeli occupation and the exploitation of Palestinian resources. A Marxist thinker, Samara has played a key role in advancing discussions on how economic policies affect the Palestinian struggle for independence. He is also a vocal critic of corruption within the Palestinian Authority, advocating for greater transparency and grassroots development.

Milestones

The moments that shaped Adel’s path.

  1. Completed PhD in Economics

    Focused on the economic challenges facing Palestinians under occupation.

  2. 1992

    Published Industrialization in the West Bank

    A Marxist socio-economic analysis of the effects of Israeli policies on Palestinian industry and development.

  3. 1999

    Arrested for political activism

    Samara was among 20 intellectuals arrested for signing a petition against Palestinian Authority corruption, marking his commitment to political accountability.

  4. Editor of Kana'an magazine

    This quarterly publication serves as a critical platform for discussions on Palestinian economy, society, and resistance.

  5. 2001

    Major work on globalization

    Samara published Epidemic of Globalization: Ventures in World Order, Arab Nationalism, and Zionism, critiquing the impact of global policies on Palestinian and Arab economies.

Legacy

What they built, changed and left behind.

  1. Critiqued neoliberal policies in Palestine

    Samara has consistently argued that international financial institutions impose economic policies that weaken local Palestinian industries and benefit foreign interests.

  2. Highlighted the economic dimensions of occupation

    His work exposes how Israeli economic policies stifle Palestinian growth and development, deepening dependency on external aid.

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  3. Promoted grassroots economic development

    Samara advocates for local development strategies that resist the imposition of foreign capital and neoliberal policies.

  4. Exposed corruption in the Palestinian Authority

    Through his activism and publications, Samara has called for greater accountability within Palestinian political structures.

  5. Contributed to Marxist thought in the Arab world

    As a Marxist intellectual, Samara has connected Palestinian economic struggles with broader global trends, offering a framework for understanding how economic exploitation affects resistance movements.

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  • 01Highlighted the economic dimensions of occupation↗

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