Democracy in the Arab World

Dr. Madalla A. Alibeli
Is the Arab World ready for Democracy?

As part of his policy to combat terrorism following Al-Qaida attack on 9/11/2002, President Bush vowed to spread democracy, promote freedom, and assist civic institution in the Arab World. Spreading democracy and promoting free and democratic societies were thought to dry the roots of terrorism, to lower the levels extremism, to alleviate frustration and anger, and to enhance civility and tolerance over hostility, intolerance, and violence.
Unfortunately, President Bush policy stalled due, in part, to the lengthy, expensive, and unexpected war in Iraq. Had the war gone smoothly for President Bush and had his plans in Iraq run as expected, would he had been able to democratize the Arab World? On other words, is the Arab World ready for democracy?
To begin with, democracy is a political system which provides citizens with regular constitutional opportunities to change the government and replace the governing officials. (Lipset, 1959) It is a social mechanism which permits the majority of the population to influence decisions, decision-making, and decision-makers through free, competitive, and peaceful election.
Since democracy does not exist in a vacuum, then, what are the socioculatural conditions needed for stable, sustained, and representative democracy? First of all, democracy is associated with economic development. World wise, developed countries are more likely to have stable democratic governments than developing or underdeveloped ones. Second, stable democracies usually have systems of checks and balances which keep the state open to criticism and suggestion for improvement. Third, stable democracies are more likely to emerge in heterogeneous societies where people have loyalties to different groups rather than in those very homogeneous societies. Fourth, stable democracies are more likely to exist where the citizens are well informed about the political practices and where people share common values about the legitimacy of the government system. And finally, stable democracies are more likely to develop where economic and social systems are viewed as effective.
Consequently, the social, political, and economic structure in the Arab World is not very receptive or ready for viable and stable democracy. Therefore, honest and sincere efforts are needed to create the environment conducive for democracy rather than democracy itself. Democracy in the Arab World requires more economic development as well as more equality in terms of distributing scarce resources and social rewards. Also, democracy entails higher levels of government accountability, transparency, checks and balances. For democracy to evolve and thrive, civic organization and institutions such as political parties, professional organizations, and social societies need to be encouraged and supported. Moreover, constitutional principles of free expression, free press, and the right to assemble should be implemented as well as minorities rights should be protected and guaranteed.
Election alone neither creates nor sustains democracy. Election in an undemocratic society may lead to an undemocratic government which may worsen the situation and may perpetuate injustice, inequality, and intolerance in society.