Democracy in the Middle East
In this paper, CSP Research Associate Randy Wanis explores the problems and possibilities of democracy promotion in the Middle East. He argues that the Japanese transition to democracy is a poor example for today’s effort, given that the U.S. is not at war with the Muslim people or their social order.
Furthermore, the author claims that it is not enough to erect the procedures and structures of democracy, such things emerge organically from a democratic political order. Influencing and shifting the Middle Eastern order into patterns more amenable to democratic governance must thus be the primary focus of U.S. policy. To do this, Wanis argues, the U.S. must seek to tap the social power wielded by grassroots political and religious leaders, who can then foment democratic changes along lines that comport with traditional Islamic values of justice, property, and human dignity.
Only by doing so can the U.S. ensure that it can bring about that goals shared by Americans and Muslims alike – peace, security, and prosperity.
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