Globalisation, Democratisation and Radicalisation in the Arab World

This unique volume brings together three key themes, globalization, democratization and radicalization in the Arab world. The contributions provide a fascinating analysis of the external and internal linkages that have for decades impeded economic and political reforms in the region. The volume begins from the premise that globalisation, by failing to deliver the promised benefits of improved economic welfare and individual freedom, dignity and democratisation, has created conditions conducive to violence. The failure of globalisation is linked to the failure of democratisation in a unique approach that traces changes in US foreign policy and democratic rhetoric in the region since 9/11. The third and final part of the book reveals how the weak capacity of the nation state, its failure to modernise and manage sustainable growth rates, reduce poverty and inequities, as well as its failure to manage political reform, the democratisation process and relations with ethnic minorities have all combined to create a specific and dangerous type of extremism that led and is leading to terrorism. The book provides a new and coherent framework that enables policy makers and practitioners to better understand, identify and deal with the root causes of terrorism. The book ends up with a comprehensive analysis for de-radicalisation programs in more than 30 countries from all regions of the globe, providing the largest known inventory of de-radicalisation policies in the world. This book is indispensable reading for all interested in political economy, development economics and Middle Eastern politics.