Civil Society and Democratization in the Arab World

The Dynamics of Activism

Nonfiction, History, Middle East, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, Social Science
Cover of the book Civil Society and Democratization in the Arab World by Francesco Cavatorta, Vincent Durac, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Francesco Cavatorta, Vincent Durac ISBN: 9781136963377
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: October 4, 2010
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Francesco Cavatorta, Vincent Durac
ISBN: 9781136963377
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: October 4, 2010
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

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.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

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.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book The Rise of China and the Capitalist World Order by Francesco Cavatorta, Vincent Durac
Cover of the book Authority and Its Enemies by Francesco Cavatorta, Vincent Durac
Cover of the book The Quiet Revolution in American Psychoanalysis by Francesco Cavatorta, Vincent Durac
Cover of the book Population Politics in Twentieth Century Europe by Francesco Cavatorta, Vincent Durac
Cover of the book Jewish Mysticism and Magic by Francesco Cavatorta, Vincent Durac
Cover of the book Rethinking Strategic Learning by Francesco Cavatorta, Vincent Durac
Cover of the book Interconnected Worlds: Tourism in Southeast Asia by Francesco Cavatorta, Vincent Durac
Cover of the book Islamophobia in Muslim Majority Societies by Francesco Cavatorta, Vincent Durac
Cover of the book Modern Latin American Revolutions by Francesco Cavatorta, Vincent Durac
Cover of the book Sport and Discrimination by Francesco Cavatorta, Vincent Durac
Cover of the book Patron-Driven Acquisitions by Francesco Cavatorta, Vincent Durac
Cover of the book Drama 3-5 by Francesco Cavatorta, Vincent Durac
Cover of the book Implementing Performance Management by Francesco Cavatorta, Vincent Durac
Cover of the book Confronting Global Gender Justice by Francesco Cavatorta, Vincent Durac
Cover of the book Sociology as Analysis of the Unintended by Francesco Cavatorta, Vincent Durac
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy