Democracy in the Middle East and North Africa: An Analysis

Democracy in the Middle East and North Africa

The Role of Islam and Culture

Can democracy coexist with Islam in the MENA region? While some argue that Sharia law should be considered, the imposition of Islam on minorities raises concerns. A study by Jamal and Telsser found that both secular and Muslim individuals identify as democratic, suggesting that cultural factors alone may not hinder democracy.

Economic Development and Inequality

Applying Lipset's theory, which links economic prosperity with democratic sustainability, we see that some Arab countries are wealthy, even rivaling established democracies. However, per capita income doesn't reflect wealth distribution. The UN Human Development Index, which considers factors like urbanization and access to information, reveals that most MENA countries lag behind, despite the wealth of some Arab states.

Geopolitics and the Rentier State Phenomenon

Many non-democratic MENA countries receive foreign aid due to their geopolitical significance, creating a rentier state dynamic. This financial support helps maintain control and stability but can hinder democratic development.

The Interplay of Factors and the Resource Curse

Ultimately, it's not religion, culture, economy, or geopolitics in isolation, but their combined influence on the social structure of Arab countries that poses challenges to democracy. The resource curse, prevalent in many rentier states, is a significant obstacle. Of the 23 rentier states worldwide, none are democratic, including 11 Arab nations.

Potential Paths Towards Democracy

Despite the challenges, there are potential avenues for democratic progress in the MENA region. These include the emergence of a leading democratic nation in the area, a shift in US policy to promote democratic reforms, or a decline in oil prices, potentially weakening the influence of the resource curse.