To what extent were the economic and social policies of Nasser successful?

Candidates will consider the merits or otherwise of the suggestion that the economic and social policies of Nasser were successful. Candidates may refer to his land reform policies, which transferred wealth to middle- and low-income farmers; the Aswan Dam which increased arable land but decreased fertility and damaged the environment; industrialization policies based on state ownership, which created rapid growth but were inefficient and caused increased debt and a poor credit rating for the state. The nationalization of the Suez Canal was a major economic initiative, but its impact was lessened by wars with Israel, which caused it to be closed. Nasser increased employment for many young people in government service, but lack of funds created debt and high levels of inflation, as did his high military spending. His overall inability to expand the economy led to widespread unemployment and social unrest. His social policies were successful in expanding education, improving working conditions, and achieving greater equality and more rights for women. The influence of religion was reduced as society was made more secular. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

This was a fairly popular question and produced some competent response. Again breadth of knowledge could be a factor and the tendency, in some responses, to focus almost entirely on the economic policies.