Democracy Assistance in the Gulf
Abstract
The Arab Awakening will be analyzed for many years to come, but the United States should consider right now the meaning of the 2011 events in the context of the autocratic Gulf states. First, the United States must reevaluate its policy of supporting dictators for the sake of protecting its national interests in the Middle East. Opposition movements are increasingly aggressive in their demands, and without substantive reforms they may attempt to overthrow pro-western governments in their midst, thus putting American interests in jeopardy. One path the United States might pursue is accelerated democracy assistance efforts. The United States and Europe are home to numerous entities whose mission is to bring political change around the world. Now may be the time to employ a comprehensive democracy strategy in the Gulf. That strategy, beginning with Oman, should use the collective expertise of American and European organizations to influence change in Middle East governments and civil societies. If Oman and its neighbors make peaceful and substantive reforms, they may avoid a violent Gulf Awakening and create a lasting stability in that strategically important part of the world.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA593793
Entities
People
- Diana M. Holland
Organizations
- Georgetown University