Lakehal Mokhtar

LAKEHAL Mokhtar

Doctor of State in Economic Sciences, Economist and Research Professor Founder of the Laboratory for Research in Economic and Social Sciences (LARMISES), France

Origins & Education

Mokhtar Lakehal, whose full name is Mokhtar Lakehal Bouhadi Amar, was born on April 10, 1942, in El Gaada, a village near Oran, Algeria. Coming from a modest background, he initially obtained a degree in accounting, which allowed him to work as an accountant at Cado, a cement factory of the Lafarge group, from 1968 to 1973.

In January 1974, seeking to deepen his knowledge, he left Oran for Paris, where he embarked on an ambitious academic journey. He studied at several prestigious Parisian universities (Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, Paris VIII Vincennes-Saint-Denis, and Paris X Nanterre), successively earning multiple degrees in economic and social sciences. His academic path culminated in 1990 with a State Doctorate in Economic Sciences from the University of Paris-Nanterre, demonstrating his intellectual rigor and perseverance.

Scientific Career

Mokhtar Lakehal's teaching career began in 1979, marking the start of a rich and diverse academic journey. He has shared his expertise in numerous French higher education institutions, including the Charlemagne Institute, the Higher Institute of Management (ISG), IPESUP, Sorbonne Nouvelle University - Paris 3, Paris-Sorbonne University, and Paris-Est Créteil Val-de-Marne University.

In 1984, driven by a desire to contribute to research development, he founded the Laboratory for Research in Economic and Social Sciences (LARMISES), an independent laboratory that has become a space for intellectual innovation and critical thinking. His research areas are diverse and include the socioeconomics of human resources, development economics, social protection, economic systems and structures, business facing the challenges of globalization, the economy of Maghreb countries, and the methodology of economic and social sciences.

Alongside his teaching and research activities, he has actively contributed to public debate by writing numerous articles for reference media such as Le Monde, La Croix, Algérie-Actualité, El Watan, Le Matin, and Libération, thus providing expert insight on contemporary economic and social issues.

Distinctions & Recognition

Mokhtar Lakehal's intellectual work is considerable and testifies to his exceptional productivity. He is the author of seven specialized dictionaries that have become references in their field, as well as about fifty books dealing with economics, sociology, history, and politics. His contribution to academic literature also extends to nearly a hundred articles published in general or specialized journals and newspapers.

The eminent economist Alfred Sauvy recognized him as a "prolific and meticulous observer," thus highlighting the quality and relevance of his analyses. This recognition by his peers attests to the significant impact of his work in the field of economic and social sciences.

His intellectual rigor and ability to analyze economic and social phenomena with acuity have earned him a solid reputation in academic circles and beyond, making him a respected voice in his field.

Impact & Influence

Mokhtar Lakehal's influence extends well beyond French borders. His work has been widely cited and referenced in international academic circles as well as by prestigious press outlets such as The Economist, the Financial Times, the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, Project Syndicate, and the Washington Post.

He regularly contributes to the IMF's Finance and Development magazine and the VoxEU economic portal, platforms that reach a global audience of policymakers, economists, and academics. His analyses on development economics and the economic challenges of Maghreb countries have particularly influenced the understanding of these regions and have contributed to guiding development policies.

Beyond his academic impact, Mokhtar Lakehal has trained several generations of students who now hold important positions in the public and private sectors, both in France and internationally, thus perpetuating his intellectual legacy.

To Learn More

• Wikipedia - Complete biographical page
• Babelio - Bibliography and literary reviews
• Eyrolles - Catalog of publications available from this publisher
• Persée - Archives of academic publications
• LGDJ - Legal editions offering his works
• Amazon - Complete collection of his publications available online
• Atlantico - Recent opinion articles and economic analyses