Democracy in the Middle East

Democracy in the Middle East addresses the issues at stake in the development of democratic political systems in the Arab Middle East. The first of three sections considers the prospects for the successful introduction of democratic ideas and institutions into the Middle East: Can democracy be established in a region that has been traditionally associated with political systems that are resolutely hostile to liberal democratic forms? The second section questions conventional assumptions of conflict between Islam and democracy, noting the intersections between the two ideologies as well as some of the hurdles that will need to be overcome. The final section examines the threats of religious extremism and terrorism and the subtle ties that bind any lasting and effective response to terrorism directly to the success of democracy.