Political participation in the Middle East
Political participation in authoritarian regimes is usually considered insignificant, or important only insofar as it promotes democracy. Turning this common wisdom on its head, this book demonstrates the vitality, variety, and significance of political activism across the MENA region. Through an in-depth exploration of seven countries, the authors address how formal and informal political institutions create opportunities for participation in venues as varied as trade unions, civic associations, political parties, and elections. And, without losing sight of the fact that authoritarian regimes manipulate participation to reinforce their rule, they reveal ways in which citizens do benefit - by influencing decision-making, for example, or obtaining state resources. An engaging read for scholars and students, this work vividly illustrates how citizens matter in the politics of authoritarian regimes. It reveals the variety and significance of political participation across the Middle East and North Africa in the face of authoritarian rule
Print Book, English, 2008
Lynne Rienner Publishers, Boulder, Colo., 2008
Aufsatzsammlung
vii, 301 pages : illustrations, map ; 23 cm
9781588266026, 9781588266262, 1588266028, 1588266265
196305900
Taking political participation seriously / Ellen Lust-Okar
Participation under authoritarian rule
The nature of political participation / Holger Albrecht
Formal and informal venues of engagement / Laila al-Hamad
Negotiating the electoral arena
Intra-elite struggles in Iranian elections / Günes Murat Tezcür
Competing for resources in Jordinian elections / Ellen Lust-Okar
Inside Egyptian parliamentary campaigns / Samer Shehata
Local elections in Gaza / Dag Tuastad
Beyond electoral politics
Opposition groups in Bahrain / Katja Niethammer
Mapping participation in Egypt / Nihad Gohar
The dynamics of civil society in Morocco / Driss Maghraoui
The Moroccan parliament / Saloua Zerhouni
Trade unions in Tunisia / Delphine Cavallo
Conclusion
Looking forward / Saloua Zerhouni