Paper on The Awakening of Civil Society - Essay Example

A REACTION PAPER ON THE AWAKENING OF CIVIL SOCIETY By Location A Reaction Paper on The Awakening of Civil Society Introduction The Arab world has been a centre of focus for many researchers who need to understand whether democracy can reign in the Arab countries. The Arab world has exhibited an evidence preference for dictatorship and despotism. One of the authors who have discussed the possibilities of democracy in the Arab world is Leith Kubba, in an article titled The Awakening of Civil Society. In this article, Kubba discusses some of the critical issues that have often served as barriers to democracy in Arab countries. Kubba admits that dictatorship and despotism, which are undesirable leadership styles in other parts of the world, seem to be functional in the Arab world. This paper will provide a reaction to Kubba’s arguments. Kubba begins by highlighting that Arab countries have shared certain aspects that define their political differences. Over the years, authoritarian governments have governed the Arab countries. None of those governments has given attention to the political liberalization of respected civil and human rights. It is unfortunate that the few Arab countries who vote leaders through a democratic system do not enjoy the fruits of democracy. Many of the authoritarian leaders have often used other strategies in an effort to stay in power. One of the intriguing arguments presented by Kubba is the fact that the dictatorships and authoritarian governments reigning in the Arab countries have registered increased access to public services. Notably, this is a true, but an unexpected phenomenon in authoritarian governments. It is true that many of the Arab governments have recognized the salient need of altering the political environment without triggering an internal crisis (Kubba 2000, p. 85). It is strange that dictatorial governments in the Arab world offer people the hope for security, stability, as well as continuity. In other parts of the world, people base such hopes for democracy. I totally agree with Kubba, who challenges the survival of democracies established in Arab countries after independence. Egypt, Syria, and Iraq, are the only countries that supported democracy for several decades after independence. However, the political crisis that has erupted in those countries in the recent past serves as evidence that democracy did not survive. Kubba is right when he notes that the established democracies by the European democracies did not give room for civil societies. In any case, the concept of civil societies in that era was entirely new. It is unfortunate that many of the Arab countries have experienced coops and military revolutions (Levitsky & Way 2010, p. 76). As Kubba highlights in his article, it is a pity that many people in Arab countries act in the support of military generals overtaking the government. For example, many Egyptians hailed Abdel Nasser as one of the best leaders they had. However, he came into power through a military coup. Although he introduced economic policies that transformed Egypt, his leadership style did not support democracy. Unfortunately, the neighbours of Egypt, namely Iraq and Syria followed the example of Egypt (Kubba 2000, p. 86). I agree with Kubba’s argument that for a long time, Arab states have exhibited total control over all the political, economic, and social aspects. The states do not give regard to the role of the opposition. Instead of supporting the development of strong opposition, the Arab leaders make efforts of suppressing any efforts of introducing a democracy. The Arab world has high percentages of political prisoners because many leaders torture and imprison individuals who challenge their leadership. Worth noting is the fact that these characteristics do not serve as worthwhile preconditions to full democracy in the Arab world. The people in Arab countries have often exhibited fear towards their leaders, a factor that prevents them from challenging oppressive governments. Kubba exposes some of the factors that make the Arab countries politically unique (Lust 2011, p. 45). For example, the people in Arab countries are likely to exhibit a preference for authoritarian leaders who can enjoy stability and can have access to security. Many people have praised authoritarian governments that contribute positively to social and economic development. Unlike in other regions, whereby people are familiar with political ideologies and can challenge them effectively, the people in the Arab world have become victims of disillusionments, a factor that prompts them to support authoritarian governments. It is true that the emergent leaders who challenge the authoritarian governments do not have an intentions or criteria of changing the situation in the Arab world (Kubba 2000, p. 87). However, Kubba presents an intriguing argument about the possibilities of transition and reform in the Arab countries. Notably, the 21st century presents a different situation than that has existed over the years. The fact that the 21st century has seen an increased information flow in the Arab world has created a precondition for change. It is true that many people are beginning to understand and appreciate the value of human and civil rights. Therefore, governments that do not respect human and civil rights have been challenged and criticized immensely. Most importantly, reform debates have begun in the Arab world through different media forms. In any region, the role of the media in determining potential political changes cannot be underestimated. The media has popularized the need for governments to give special regards to civil societies. Therefore, it is evident that debates developed by different media houses have had a measure of impact in the Arab world. Notably, I agree with Kubba’s argument in this case (Kubba 2000, p. 88). Effective media have the potential to educate the public on their rights. It is expected that in the future, the media will have far-reaching effects in the Arab world making the people demand democracy. It is unfortunate that many Arab countries have banned non-governmental organizations, limited press freedom, and have been suppressing civil society activities. Just as Kubba highlights, I opine that the Arab world will register a change in these aspects in the future. Despite the government bans, some none governmental organizations have found a way of survival. It is interesting the authoritarian governments are already yielding to the pressure from the publics of introducing reforms. Notably, the global landscape has registered dramatic changes that are likely to trigger Arab governments to reconsider the value of civil society. Notably, there is an undying hope that in the future, democracy will reign in the Arab world. As long as the authoritarian governments are willing to introduce liberalization at both the political and economic levels, then democracy will likely take the course (Kubba 2000, p. 89). Many political analysts have highlighted that education has the power to transform any closed society. As Kubba highlights, many people in the Arab countries have recognized the value of education. The literate people in the society are pushing for change and advocating for equal opportunities for women. In addition, the educated people in the Arab world have expressed their interest in seeing a modernization of public administration. It is evident that the increasing mass of educated people is likely to register increased advocacy, a factor that will trigger both political and social changes. I am in full support of Kubba when he argues that the authoritarian governments will no longer be able to limit information flow to Arab countries. Many Arab countries have access to information from different parts of the globe (Selvik & Stenslie 2011, p. 60). Gone are the days when people relied on propaganda from the government. The increasing flow of information in the Arab world will facilitate the adoption of new ideologies. For this reason, people’s exposure to new ideologies and lifestyles is likely to make the people recognize the benefits of a new political system. The Arab world does not have a choice, but to yield to the international pressure of minimizing their control over the societies (Kubba 2000, p. 89). As international organizations push for new economic frameworks in the Arab world, they are in effect promoting political liberalization. The examples presented by Kubba of Morocco, Egypt, Lebanon, and Jordan have exhibited a similar pattern of change. Kubba presents a realistic view of the issues evident in the Arab world. He gives attention to some of the challenges that the Arab world will face if it is to consider democracy. Many of the regimes in the Arab world are not willing to support civil societies because they realize that strengthened civil societies can push for the desired change by demanding for accountability and transparency. The radicalization of the Islam religion also proves to be a critical challenge that the Arab world will need to address as a precondition for establishing democracy. Although there are opportunities for reintroducing in the Arab world, there is a salient need for the countries to recognize the challenges and address them effectively (Kubba 2000, p. 90). Conclusion Without a doubt, Kubba presents a realistic analysis of the situation in the Arab world. I have the conviction that the Arab world has some opportunities for democracy and better governance. However, I agree with Kubba that the region has a unique political history. Kubba highlights some of the outstanding challenges as well as the propaganda used by the authoritarian governments in an effort to maintain power. The political unrest in the Arab world represents the tensions resulting from the salient need for a change. With continued access to information and education, the people are more aware of their rights and are willing to ensure that the Arab world will have a better leadership in the future. Bibliography Kubba, L 2000, "The awakening of civil society," Journal of Democracy 11,3, pp. 84-90. Levitsky, S, & Way, L 2010, Competitive Authoritarianism : Hybrid Regimes After The Cold War, New York : Cambridge University Press, 2010., OhioLINK Library Catalog – LR, EBSCOhost, viewed 12 April 2015. Lust, E 2011, The Middle East, Washington, D.C. : CQ Press, c2011., OhioLINK Library Catalog – LR, EBSCOhost, viewed 12 April 2015. Selvik, K, & Stenslie, S 2011, Stability and Change in the Modern Middle East, London: I.B.Tauris, eBook Collection (EBSCOhost), EBSCOhost, viewed 12 April 2015. Read More