Paper
Paul Salem
Source: Getty
The Arab State: Assisting or Obstructing Development?
Although full democracy in the Arab world remains a distant goal, broader participation in the political process, with a marked effect on human development, can be achieved.
By Paul Salem
Published on Jul 27, 2010
Good governance is key to improving peoples’ lives; but the Arab world falls short on many governance indicators. Most Arab states remain highly authoritarian, although there is a growing dynamism in civil society and among opposition parties, both secular and Islamist. Problems in governance have impeded development in the Arab world and limited the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.
There are strong historical causes for the current state of governance in the Arab world. Nevertheless, progress has been made in limited but significant ways. This should be reinforced by strengthening civil society, reinforcing electoral progress, supporting parliaments and the judiciary, enhancing local government, improving governance performance, and empowering women. The international community should play an important role in this process.
Although full democracy in the Arab world is a distant goal, broader participation in the political process, with a marked effect on human development, can be achieved.
About the Author
Paul Salem
Senior Fellow at the Middle East Institute
Paul Salem is a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute.
- Iraq’s Tangled Foreign Interests and Relations
- Bracing for Impact in SyriaArticle
Paul Salem
Recent Work
Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.
More Work from Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center
- Who Is Cutting Cairo’s Trees?Commentary
In Egypt’s dense cities, the disappearance of foliage has health implications and punishes daily commuters.
Angie Omar
- Iraq’s Disarmament Path Begins with Reform of the PMFCommentary
The Zaidi government’s objective to collect weapons is constrained by regional conflict, but it can take certain measures at home.
Ali Al-Mawlawi
- On AI, Cairo Plays China and the U.S. Off Against Each OtherCommentary
Huawei pushed hard to enter the Egyptian data centers market, until the Americans made a better offer.
Angie Omar
- Less of America is MoreCommentary
Middle Eastern states should welcome an accelerated U.S. disengagement from their region.
Michael Young
- The Mecca Agreement UnpackedCommentary
The accord represents a pivotal moment in the region to avert a security vacuum in the Gulf.
Azeema Cheema, Mohanad Hage Ali
