Current Transformations and Their Potential Role in Realizing Change in the Arab World

Since the start of the new millennium, Arab countries have been affected by the US-led 'war on terror' and the pressures exerted by the US administration, which calls for political reforms and the spreading of democracy in the Middle East as part of its counter-terrorism campaign. In addition, Arab nations are experiencing the repercussions arising from the invasion of Iraq and the rebuilding of its political system. Along with these external effects, these countries are concurrently witnessing internal developments represented by the growing power of political Islam and the rise of popular movements and civil society organizations demanding democracy, freedom and human rights. In the context of these sociopolitical changes underway in the Arab world, it is vital to have an understanding of the dynamics, complexities and obstacles involved in spreading democracy in the region. This book examines the role of Arab political institutions, the influence of non-governmental organizations in furthering change and progress and the role played by the forces of political Islam in the process of transformation. Other matters closely related to the issue of modernization in Arab countries are also discussed, such as the importance of education as a basis for change and the potential role of Arab women in the field of development. Thus, the book contributes to the growing internal discussion on the issues of change, reform and modernization, which will shape the form and future of communities in the Arab world.

Table of Contents:
CONTENTS Figures and Tables Abbreviations and Acronyms Foreword Jamal S. Al-Suwaidi INTRODUCTION The Dynamics of Change in the Arab World KEYNOTE ADDRESS Challenges to Development and Progress in the Arab World H.E. Abdulrahman bin Hamad Al-Attiyah ARAB REFORM AND DEMOCRATIC TRANSFORMATION 1 The Dilemma of Reform in the Arab World Dr. Bourhan Ghalioun 2 Democratic Reform in Palestine and the Arab World: External Pressures or Internal Response? H.E. Yasser Abed Rabbo 3 Iraq as a Model for the Spread of Democracy in the Arab World Dr. Adnan Pachachi 4 The Imperatives and the Logic of Arab Economic Reform Dr. Atif Kubursi POLITICAL ORIENTATIONS IN ARAB SOCIETIES 5 Moderate Islamists and Reform in the Arab World: Case of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt Dr. Amr Hamzawy 6 Causes of Terrorism in the Arab World and Ways to Counter it H.E. Dr. Mohammed Bin Ali Kouman 7 Structural Transformations in Arab Countries: Growing Legitimacy of the State and the Shrinking Role of Governments Dr. Ahmed Jameel 'Azm COMPARATIVE EXPERIENCE OF POLITICAL REFORM 8 Modernity and Political Transformation: The Turkish Experience Dr. Metin Heper 9 The Principles of the American Republic in a Revolutionary Century Dr. Gary Hart ROLE OF INSTITUTIONS IN THE PROCESS OF CHANGE 10 Managing Challenges to Sovereignty in an Era of Regionalism: Asia and the Arab World Dr. Amitav Acharya 11 The Role of Non-State Actors in Promoting Change Dr. Marina Ottaway 12 New and Future Leadership: Implications for Change The Hon. William S. Cohen EDUCATION AS A BASIS FOR CHANGE IN THE ARAB WORLD Keynote Address: The Role of Education in Development H.E. Sheikh Nahyan Mabarak Al Nahyan 13 Education as a Catalyst for Social Change in the Arab World H.E. Dr. Faisal Al-Rufouh 14 One Goal, Different Agendas: Expanding the Scope of Education in the Arab World and Addressing the Requirements of the Labor Market Dr. Rafia Obaid Ghubash 15 Losing Expertise to Other Countries: Halting the Arab Brain Drain H.E. Dr. Ibrahim Guider WOMEN, POPULATION AND IMPACT ON DEVELOPMENT 16 Boosting the Role of Women in Development: A Case Study of Kuwaiti Women H.E. Dr. Massouma Al-Mubarak 17 International Migration and the Demographic Structure of the GCC States Dr. Mattar Ahmed Abdullah Contributors Notes Bibliography Index

About the Author :
The Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research is based in Abu Dhabi, UAE.