Democratization and the Islamist challenge in the Arab world.
Item
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Title
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Democratization and the Islamist challenge in the Arab world.
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Identifier
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AAI9521271
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identifier
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9521271
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Creator
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Ghadbian, Najib.
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Contributor
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Adviser: Dankwart Rustow
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Date
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1995
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Language
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English
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Publisher
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City University of New York.
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Subject
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Political Science, General | Religion, General
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Abstract
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Serious democratization measures have occurred in the Arab world recently, particularly in Egypt, Jordan, Algeria, and Yemen. The rise of Islamic movements ("fundamentalism" or "political Islam") has coincided with this push toward democracy. Islamists have participated in and benefitted from the democratization process, especially in countries which allowed free elections (e.g. Jordan and Algeria). Why has democratization reached an impasse in the Arab world? What is the intersection of democratization with the rise of the Islamists? What are the prospects for democracy in the current contexts of the Arab world?;The dominant conflict in today's Arab world, that between ruling elites and Islamist groups which challenge them, manifests a struggle over collective identity. I examine the progress of democratization against the proposition that consensus over collective identity is a major prerequisite for transition to democracy. I trace the development of the conflict over collective identity and describe its current dimensions among ruling elites, secular forces, and Islamists. I consider two other contexts for the conflict, those of socio-economic conditions and the international climate, to determine their role in the frustration of democracy in the region. I examine the relationship of Islamists to democracy, using both their writings and their record in praxis.;Finally, I compare how the conflict between Islamists and governments has affected democratization in two Arab countries: Egypt and Jordan. The regime in Egypt oscillates uneasily in its policy toward Islamists, between co-optation on one hand and containment and repression on the other, but is determined to deny them any meaningful participation in politics. This uneven strategy has caused high levels of frustration and polarization between contending forces. The Jordanian monarchy has succeeded so far in including Islamists in the political process, but within bounds that do not challenge the power of the king. Islamists have shown willingness and skill in working within those procedures of democracy which have been instituted. Unlike in Egypt, most political forces in Jordan have reached a working consensus on collective identity. The question remains, will the monarchy relinquish as much power as the progress of democratization will demand?
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Type
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dissertation
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Source
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PQT Legacy CUNY.xlsx
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degree
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Ph.D.
