Week 8 (MENA) Flashcards
1
Q
Why is religion unlikely to be the cause of authoritarian resilience in the MENA?
A
There are various non-Arab Muslim-majority countries (such as Albania) which are fairly democratic.
2
Q
How does the presence of oil contribute to authoritarian resilience in the MENA?
A
- Oil is a steady and lucrative source of income for the state.
- Disincentivises entrepreneurship and risk-taking as there is no need.
- Also means states do not need to tax their citizens, which means the state is not accountable to the people and therefore does not develop inclusive institutions.
- Because they are not taxed, the citizenry are less likely to demand political representation.
3
Q
What factors, other than oil, contribute to authoritarian resilience in the MENA?
A
- Arab countries may adopt limited liberalisation or democratisation (and then clamp down if/when the opposition becomes a threat).
- Elections can help to divide the opposition: some groups will take part, while others will refuse to participate for fear of being co-opted.
- Support and aid from Western countries gives legitimacy to MENA regimes.
- Just as democratisation can often diffuse between neighbouring countries, so the authoritarian resilience in the region at large reinforces the various Arab regimes.
4
Q
Why has democratic opposition had little success in the MENA?
A
- Opposition parties are co-opted by elites.
- Islamic groups tend to have roots in civil society and therefore more popular support.
- The West is seen as a supporter of Arab regimes, so it is viewed negatively by regime opponents. Western powers have turned a blind eye to anti-democratic measures in the MENA.
