Structured Response #1

In the MENA region, I think it is a fair statement to say that the environment is a bit unstable. Whether economically, politically, or religiously, changes are constantly occurring and shifting different aspects of the area. One statement pertaining to democratic reform from Bellin’s reading really struck me: “To a large degree, order is prior to democracy. Democracy cannot thrive in chaos.” (38) When I generally picture chaos, I imagine utter pandemonium running rampant through a market-like street with people knocking over stalls and chickens squawking. However, in this sense, chaos can be used to define a more broad idea of instability. Political regime changes, protests of the government, and the slow progression of civil society could all be considered as part of MENA’s “chaos”. With these instances, setbacks occur and further impede the process of democratization.

       Bellin argues that democratic transition can only be carried out when the state's coercive apparatus lacks the will or capacity to crush it (34). Authoritarianism has been exceptionally robust in the MENA region because the coercive apparatus in many of the states has proven that it can destroy reform attempts. Low income, disparity among social strata, and subpar education access can compromise people's commitment to democratic reforms. If civilians are focused on where and how they will learn to read or write, they will have less time and effort to devote to furthering democratic reconstruction.  MENA's heavy Islamic focus is also a powerful argument used to explain the region's failure to democratize. Islam is the basis of how many governments are run, such as the Iranian and Saudi Arabian governments, and therefore people are unwilling to change a system that reflects their religion.

       I think Bellin’s argument holds a certain amount of truth. Civil society in MENA is still developing, and in many states, it is not particularly strong. However, the opposite can be argued as well. In Egypt and Tunisia, civil society actors were able to speak out and evoke real democratic change. They were able to come together, and as Bellin might suggest, took action because of the failure of the coercive apparatus. Again, I believe that Bellin’s statement regarding civil society as weak and ineffective in the region is partially, but not entirely, accurate. In many MENA states, civil society is just beginning or still waiting to develop. In others, it has risen and fought for democratic revolution successfully, such as the past events in Egypt. Overall, civil society is progressing slowly in the MENA region, but has the possibility to uproot authoritarian regimes and construct a democratic society.