Towards Democratic Transitions: The Case of North Africa

Democratic transitions are usually long-term and fraught with complexities. They are also highly competitive as sectarian, ideological, and the “old guard” forces opposed to democracy vie for supremacy. Progress is uneven and marked by obstacles and setbacks. This is the history of many countries on diverse continents. The focus here is on contemporary North Africa, a continuous area inhabited by 173 million people, living in seven states, with many cultural, geographic, historical, and political ties, but significant discontinuities that fracture the region and defy generalization. How the recent struggles in the region will now play out is an open question. Yet the consensus in the United States remains that the evolution of democracy and the rule of law abroad serve not only our ideals but also our practical interests. Figuring out when, if, and how to advance these objectives, however, is the subject of study and debate. In this unique volume, five regional experts and practitioners identify actionable opportunities that may exist over time to assist those in the region seeking transitions to a democratic society and governance; the strategies and capabilities the US has or needs to partner effectively with local leaders; and in which key sectors of the population these windows for change may exist. These include political parties and movements, the mass media, the security forces, and organized labor.