Democratization in Eastern Europe: A Viable Model for the Middle East?

by Gül M. Kurtoglu-Eskisar,

Almost a decade before the end of the 20th century, most parts of Eastern Europe were still under the communist rule and, with a few exceptions, the Middle East was checker squared with varying degrees of authoritarianism. Almost a decade into the 21st century and many East European countries are now regarded as democracies. The Middle East, however, continues to be dominated by authoritarian regimes. This study outlines some of the factors that can help to explain this contrasting outcome in a comparative framework.

published in Vol 8 - No 1 - 2008 // Defective Democracies
ABSTRACT

    Defective Democracies

    The purpose of this issue is to explore the lessons for democratization that can be drawn from the postcommunist experience over the past seventeen years. First, what explains defective democracies? Second, what can and cannot be transferred from successful Central Europe to the rest of countries? Finally, is there still a future for democracy promotion... »
FOCUS

    How Media and Politics Shape Each Other in The New Europe

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    From Sofia to Brussels – Corrupt Democratization in the Context of European Integration

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    Transition as a Legacy

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    Administrative and Political Corruption in Bulgaria: Status and Dynamics (1998-2006)

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    Democratization in Eastern Europe: A Viable Model for the Middle East?

    Almost a decade before the end of the 20th century, most parts of Eastern Europe were still under the communist rule and, with a few exceptions, the Middle East was checker squared with varying degrees of authoritarianism. Almost a decade into the 21st century and many East European countries are now regarded as democracies. The... »

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  • Alina Mungiu-Pippidi (chair) Hertie School of Governance
  • Larry Diamond Stanford University
  • Tom Gallagher University of Bradford
  • Alena Ledeneva University College London
  • Michael McFaul Stanford University
  • Dennis Deletant Georgetown University
  • Helen Wallace London School of Economics and Political Science

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  • Claudiu Tufiș
  • Bogdan Iancu
  • George Jiglau
  • Ingi Iusmen
  • Gabriel Bădescu
  • Andrei Macsut
  • Laura Voinea

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Societatea Academica Romana