Civil Society and Democratization in the Arab World

Civil Society and Democratization in the Arab World PDF Author: Francesco Cavatorta
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1136963375
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 192

Get Book

Book Description
The transition paradigm has traditionally viewed civil society activism as an essential condition for the establishment of democracy. The democracy promotion strategies of Western policy-makers have, therefore, been based on strengthening civil society in authoritarian settings in order to support the development of social capital -to challenge undemocratic regimes. This book questions the validity of the link between an active associational life and democratization. It examines civil society in the Arab world in order to illustrate how authoritarian constraints structure civil society dynamics in the region in ways that hinder transition to democracy. Building on innovative theoretical work and drawing on empirical data from extensive fieldwork in the region, this study demonstrates how the activism of civil society in five different Arab countries strengthens rather than weakens authoritarian practices and rule. Through an analysis of the specific legal and political constraints on associational life, and the impact of these on relations between different civic groups, and between associations and state authorities, the book demonstrates that the claim that civil society plays a positive role in processes of democratic transformation is highly questionable. Offering a broad and alternative vision of the state of civil society in the region, this book will be an important contribution to studies on Middle Eastern politics, democratization and civil society activism.

Civil Society and Democratization in the Arab World

Civil Society and Democratization in the Arab World PDF Author: Francesco Cavatorta
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1136963375
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 192

Get Book

Book Description
The transition paradigm has traditionally viewed civil society activism as an essential condition for the establishment of democracy. The democracy promotion strategies of Western policy-makers have, therefore, been based on strengthening civil society in authoritarian settings in order to support the development of social capital -to challenge undemocratic regimes. This book questions the validity of the link between an active associational life and democratization. It examines civil society in the Arab world in order to illustrate how authoritarian constraints structure civil society dynamics in the region in ways that hinder transition to democracy. Building on innovative theoretical work and drawing on empirical data from extensive fieldwork in the region, this study demonstrates how the activism of civil society in five different Arab countries strengthens rather than weakens authoritarian practices and rule. Through an analysis of the specific legal and political constraints on associational life, and the impact of these on relations between different civic groups, and between associations and state authorities, the book demonstrates that the claim that civil society plays a positive role in processes of democratic transformation is highly questionable. Offering a broad and alternative vision of the state of civil society in the region, this book will be an important contribution to studies on Middle Eastern politics, democratization and civil society activism.

Political Liberalization and Democratization in the Arab World

Political Liberalization and Democratization in the Arab World PDF Author: Rex Brynen
Publisher: Lynne Rienner Publishers
ISBN: 9781555875794
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 364

Get Book

Book Description
The Arab world is experiencing a variety of factors - internal and external - that are leading to change. This work examines such factors that are shaping political liberalisation and democratisation in the Arab context, as well as the role played by particular social groups.

Democratization in the Arab World

Democratization in the Arab World PDF Author: Laurel E. Miller
Publisher: Rand Corporation
ISBN: 0833072102
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 435

Get Book

Book Description
Daunting challenges lie ahead for Arab countries where revolutions have upended longstanding authoritarian regimes. This monograph aims to help policymakers understand the challenges ahead, form well-founded expectations, shape diplomatic approaches, and take practical steps to foster positive change.

Civil Society and Democratization in the Arab World

Civil Society and Democratization in the Arab World PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Arab countries
Languages : en
Pages : 96

Get Book

Book Description


Civil society in the Middle East. 2 (2001)

Civil society in the Middle East. 2 (2001) PDF Author: Augustus Richard Norton
Publisher: BRILL
ISBN: 9789004104693
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 380

Get Book

Book Description
Leading scholars assembled by the Civil Society in the Middle East program provide lucid, informed essays on the quality of political life, weighing the role of civil society and assessing the prospects for political reform in the Middle East.

Religion and Civil Society in the Arab World

Religion and Civil Society in the Arab World PDF Author: Tania Haddad
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
ISBN: 0429871171
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 190

Get Book

Book Description
This book examines the links between civil society, religion and politics in the Middle East and North Africa region. The chapters in the volume explore the role of religion in shaping and changing the public sphere in regions that are developing and/or in conflict. They also discuss how these relations are reflected on civil society organizations and the role they are expected to play in transitional periods. This volume: investigates the conceptual dilemmas regarding what is ‘civil society’ in the Arab world today examines the dynamic roles of civil society organizations and religion in the Middle East and North Africa explores the future of the Arab civil society post-‘Arab Spring’ events, and how the latter continues to reshape the demand for democracy in the region. A comprehensive study of how the Arab civil society has come into being and its changing roles, this eclectic work will be of interest to scholars and researchers of politics, especially political Islam, international relations, Middle East Studies, African Studies, sociology and social anthropology.

ISS 12 The Arab Revolutions in Context

ISS 12 The Arab Revolutions in Context PDF Author: Benjamin Isakhan
Publisher: Melbourne Univ. Publishing
ISBN: 052286161X
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 184

Get Book

Book Description
From late 2010 a series of dramatic and unprecedented events swept across the Middle East and North Africa, toppling several autocratic regimes that had held power for decades and ushering in a new climate of dissent and democratisation. The Arab Revolutions in Context seizes a unique opportunity to reflect on these seismic events, their causes and consequences, and the core issues facing the region as it moves forward. This volume is more than a collection of detailed thematic essays. It situates the Arab Revolutions within their broader contextual backgrounds—showing that a unique set of historical events, as well as local, regional and global dynamics, has converged to provide the catalyst that triggered the recent revolts-and also within a new conceptual framework. The argument here is that the Arab Revolutions pose a very specific challenge to conventional wisdom concerning democracy and democratisation in the Middle East. The Arab Revolutions in Context is the first volume of its kind to address the Arab Revolutions and the varying analyses, debates and discussions that they have stimulated.

Civil Society in the Middle East

Civil Society in the Middle East PDF Author: Augustus R. Norton
Publisher: Social, Economic and Political
ISBN:
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 352

Get Book

Book Description
North Africa. By Alan Richards

Civil Society and Democratization in the Arab World

Civil Society and Democratization in the Arab World PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 80

Get Book

Book Description


Promoting Middle East Democracy II

Promoting Middle East Democracy II PDF Author: Mona Yacoubian
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Democratization
Languages : en
Pages : 16

Get Book

Book Description