Getting to Pluralism: Political Actors in the Arab World

by Marina Ottaway, Amr Hamzawy

Overview

Pluralism in the Arab world has not yet matured into functional democratic politics. While ruling establishments, Islamist movements, and secular parties have introduced a much greater degree of pluralism into Arab societies, the imbalance of power and interdependence among these actors limits both the degree of political diversity and its effectiveness at bringing about reforms. The Arab world is likely to grapple with political apathy, low voter turnout, dwindling membership in registered parties, and shrinking constituencies for the foreseeable future. Even the Islamists, who demonstrated great ability to organize and gain followers in the past, have begun showing signs of decreasing popularity.

Getting to Pluralism: Political Actors in the Arab World explores the balance of power between the disparate political forces of the Arab world. The essays in this volume examine the characteristics of the major political actors in great detail and assess the weaknesses of the secular parties. They also illustrate the complexities of Islamist participation in the political processes of several Arab countries--pointing out both similarities and differences. Finally, the authors evaluate how incumbent Arab regimes have been able to maintain their grip on power in spite of their claims that they support political and social reform.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780870032448
Publisher:	Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Publication date:	01/20/2022
Pages:	160
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

Marina Ottaway is a senior associate in the Democracy and Rule of Law program and director of the Carnegie Middle East program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

Amr Hamzawy is a senior associate at the Carnegie Middle East Center in Beirut, Lebanon.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments v

foreword vii

Introduction: Pluralist Politics in Undemocratic Political System Marina Ottaway Amr Hamzawy 1

1 Incumbent Regimes and the "King's Dilemma" in the Arab world: Promise and Threat of managed reform Michele Dunne Marina Ottaway 13

2 Fighting on two Fronts: Secular Parties in the Arab world Marina Ottaway Amr Hamzawy 41

3 Islamists in Politics: The Dynamics of participation Amr Hamzawy Marina Ottaway 69

Conclusion: Old Actors and New Arenas Amr Hamzawy Marina Ottaway 97

Index 109

Contributors 117

Carnegie Endowment for International peace 119