Analysis and Policy

The European Union and challenges to democracy building in the Arab world

Excerpt from the regional chapter

This chapter examines the main challenges for democracy building in the Arab world and how the role of the European Union (EU) is perceived. Policy proposals and recommendations for consideration by the EU are presented with a view to addressing the gap between the EU’s policy intentions and Arab perceptions of the EU’s ambitions in promoting democracy building. The chapter is based on consultations and research on the EU’s role in democracy building in the Arab world conducted by International IDEA during 2008 and 2009.

The Arab world is politically, socially and economically diverse. The region’s political diversity is related to levels of democratic development and political stability. Although all Arab countries suffer from substantial democracy deficits, there are different degrees of authoritarianism or liberalism across the region. Distinctions exist between traditional Arab societies, in which archaic social structures and values still dominate, and relatively modernized societies. Finally, some Arab countries, such as Iraq and Somalia, suffer from dangerous instability due to persistent conflicts.

Although the region is diverse, there are also common challenges. There is a lack of real choice in the political system. Opposition and democratic institutions are weak or even non-existent in most Arab countries. There are specific problems with the role and independence of parliaments, the judiciary and governance structures, including the capacity of municipal and state authorities to deliver services to their citizens. The exclusion of Islamist movements, among the most important political actors, is another relevant point. The exclusion of women from political participation and gender discrimination that curbs women’s rights are another important issue.

Links between democracy and social and economic development are of central importance to democracy building in the Arab world. Outside the high-income Gulf region, large parts of the Arab world grapple with poverty, social underdevelopment and insufficient access to basic welfare systems. Insufficient or underdeveloped education systems are especially significant in this regard. The Arab world also faces exceptional demographic change coupled with high unemployment rates. This could be either an opportunity for or a challenge to democracy building, depending on how the new generation of young people is nurtured.

Foreign intervention in the region has increased since the 19th century. The Arab world has been especially troubled by the effects of the US-led ‘war on terror’, which increased instability in the region and contributed to increases in violations of human rights behind the façade of security policy.

Opinions of the EU’s democracy promotion efforts differ throughout the region. Undoubtedly, there are positive perceptions, but there are also objections to them and criticisms. The EU is generally perceived as an interesting partner but with a credibility gap which it needs to take seriously. The EU is not thought to be responding to the need for a partnership to address the socio-economic challenges in the region. Instead, it is seen as focusing on trade and the promotion of human rights.

In order to improve its policy and action and contribute to supporting democracy building in the Arab world, the EU must shift its focus towards a long-term commitment to democracy issues, including finding strategies for an inclusive approach and a broader understanding of democracy and its linkages to socio-economic development in the region.