Getting to Arab democracy: Dealing with communalism

Article Abstract:

The discussion whether or not democracy can take hold in the Middle East and especially, in the Arab world, often proceeds on the assumption that democracy must mean a 'western-style' system of individuals making decisions and issue-oriented interest groups lobbying for specific outcomes. This aspect is the influence of communalism, a catchall term that refers to identities defined by some combination of relatively fixed enthnolinguistic or sectarian distinctions.

author: Rubin, Barry
Communalism

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Attitudes in the Arab world

Article Abstract:

The results of the Arab Barometer survey project that indicate citizens' preference for democracy in the Arab world over their existing political system are presented. Citizens in the Arab world prefer democracy as they find it a useful form of government to deal with key issues, wherein economic considerations are considered more important than political rights and freedoms.

author: Tessler, Mark, Jamal, Amaney
Algeria, Morocco, Analysis, Evaluation, Palestinian Territories, Political systems

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Gauging Arab support for democracy

Article Abstract:

The Arab world is distinctive due to its high degree of popular support for democracy even though it continues to stand out as a region for its limited progress toward democracy. The Arab-majority countries are authoritarian even after some moves towards liberalization are taken in the past three decades.

author: Tessler, Mark, Gao, Eleanor
Influence

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subjects list: Political aspects, Middle East, Democracy, Arab countries
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