The Effects of Colonialism on Democratization in the Arab World
Location
Guzman 110
Start Date
4-19-2018 2:20 PM
End Date
4-19-2018 2:35 PM
Student Type
Undergraduate
Faculty Mentor(s)
Gigi Gokcek, Ph.D.
Presentation Format
Oral Presentation
Abstract/Description
According to the Freedom House Index, 5% of the 420 million people who reside in the Middle East and North Africa are truly free. Additionally, the region’s economy, literacy rates and gender gap are at abysmal rates and a lack of human rights and personal freedoms are quite common. What can explain the tumultuous and authoritarian political climate of the Middle East and North African region? How has past and present Western interference hindered progress? This paper argues that Arab countries have been unable to create sustainable and successful political infrastructures due to years of colonialism, imperialism and further Western involvement.. This argument is supported with existing scholarship on the history of colonialism, and its impact on the development of Arab states. Moreover, this study explores the process of attempted democratization in the region.
The Effects of Colonialism on Democratization in the Arab World
Guzman 110
According to the Freedom House Index, 5% of the 420 million people who reside in the Middle East and North Africa are truly free. Additionally, the region’s economy, literacy rates and gender gap are at abysmal rates and a lack of human rights and personal freedoms are quite common. What can explain the tumultuous and authoritarian political climate of the Middle East and North African region? How has past and present Western interference hindered progress? This paper argues that Arab countries have been unable to create sustainable and successful political infrastructures due to years of colonialism, imperialism and further Western involvement.. This argument is supported with existing scholarship on the history of colonialism, and its impact on the development of Arab states. Moreover, this study explores the process of attempted democratization in the region.