Getting to pluralism : political actors in the Arab world / Marina Ottaway, Amr Hamzawy, editors.

Format:

Book

Contributor:

Ottaway, Marina.

Hamzawy, Amr.

Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Political parties.

Arab countries--Politics and government--1945-.

Arab countries.

Politics and government.

Islam and politics--Arab countries.

Islam and politics.

Political parties--Arab countries.

Physical Description:

viii, 118 pages ; 23 cm

Place of Publication:

Washington, DC : Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, [2009]

Summary:

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. This volume explores the balance of power between the disparate political forces of the Arab world. The essays 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.

Contents:

Pluralist politics in undemocratic political systems / Marina Ottaway and Amr Hamzawy

Incumbent regimes and the "king's dilemma" in the Arab world: promise and threat of managed reform / Michele Dunne and Marina Ottaway

Fighting on two fronts: secular parties in the Arab world / Marina Ottaway and Amr Hamzawy

Islamists in politics: the dynamics of participation

Old actors and new arenas / Amr Hamzawy and Marina Ottaway.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9780870032448

0870032445

9780870032455

0870032453

OCLC:

319595161