Publishing Institution: Arab Reform Initiative (ARI) / Topic: Authoritarianism

Author:: Mohammed Masbah
Publication Date:: 03-2020
Content Type:: Working Paper
Institution:: Arab Reform Initiative (ARI)
Abstract:: The Moroccan monarchy has used political parties, including the PJD, to legitimize the country’s authoritarian political process and structure, and to absorb social and political anger. This paper argues that putting the parties at the frontline without sufficient capacity to enact deep reforms weakens them as a shield against growing popular frustration. While this approach may work in the short term, it risks the country’s stability in the long term.
Topic:: Social Movement, Authoritarianism, Political stability, Protests, Political Parties, and Monarchy
Political Geography:: Africa and Morocco

Author:: Mahjoob Zweiri
Publication Date:: 07-2020
Content Type:: Working Paper
Institution:: Arab Reform Initiative (ARI)
Abstract:: Iran’s regional role in MENA is influenced by the evolution of its state-society relations and shifts within its state institutions. This paper argues that the growing regional role of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is a reflection of the militarization and securitization of the Iranian political system. Conversely, frustration by segments of the Iranian population with the political system’s inability to deliver economically has increasingly manifested itself in criticism and contestation of the regime’s regional role.
Topic:: Civil Society, Regional Cooperation, Authoritarianism, and Militarization
Political Geography:: Iran and Middle East

Author:: Alimar Lazkani
Publication Date:: 08-2020
Content Type:: Working Paper
Institution:: Arab Reform Initiative (ARI)
Abstract:: impacted by the conflict and deteriorating living conditions. This paper examines their reality and the evolution of some of their political views through on the ground research and interviews. It notes that an increasing number of Alawite youth have grown disillusioned and some go as far as voicing discontent in private discussions because they see the regime as having failed to provide them with basic living arrangements. However, it is hard to determine the prevalence of such discontent due to research limitations and the entrenched fear of the security apparatus.
Topic:: Authoritarianism, Youth, Accountability, and Quality of Life
Political Geography:: Middle East and Syria

Author:: Mechym Zaki
Publication Date:: 09-2020
Content Type:: Working Paper
Institution:: Arab Reform Initiative (ARI)
Abstract:: Sanctions have so far failed to change the Syrian regime behaviour, and despite their stated objectives of minimizing harm to the population, indicators show that sanctions are hitting ordinary Syrians the hardest. This paper looks at the mechanisms that Assad has been using to overcome the impact of sanctions on its power structure and provides recommendations on how to make sanctions more effective against the regime while mitigating their negative impact on Syrians.
Topic:: Sanctions, Authoritarianism, Humanitarian Intervention, and Quality of Life
Political Geography:: Middle East and Syria

Author:: Joseph Daher
Publication Date:: 10-2020
Content Type:: Working Paper
Institution:: Arab Reform Initiative (ARI)
Abstract:: Since 2011, the Syrian authorities have continued to develop economic policies with the aim of consolidating their power and their various patronage networks, all while allowing new forms of capital accumulation. This process had already started in the early 2000s with the liberalization and privatization of the Syrian economy. Tradesmen and new businessmen affiliated with the regime have since then considerably increased and deepened their domination over the Syrian economy, especially in recent years. The policies of the Syrian government after 2011 continued in the same vein.
Topic:: Privatization, Authoritarianism, Trade Liberalization, and Centralization
Political Geography:: Middle East and Syria

Author:: Ali Al-Mawlawi
Publication Date:: 07-2019
Content Type:: Working Paper
Institution:: Arab Reform Initiative (ARI)
Abstract:: The decentralization agenda emerged in Iraq after 2003 as an imperative to create an internal balance of power that would mitigate against the rise of another authoritarian regime. By exploring the political motivations and calculations of elites, this paper sheds light on why devolution of powers to sub-national entities failed to bring about meaningful change to the daily lives of ordinary Iraqis. While administrative authorities have been largely devolved, fiscal decentralization lags due to resistance from concerned central authorities, leaving sub-national actors with limited capacity to exercise their newly afforded powers.
Topic:: Authoritarianism, State Formation, State Building, and Decentralization
Political Geography:: United States, Iraq, Middle East, and Baghdad

Author:: Bassma Kodmani
Publication Date:: 12-2019
Content Type:: Working Paper
Institution:: Arab Reform Initiative (ARI)
Abstract:: The Collapse of the Syrian state is largely a reality. Both Russia and Iran, Assad’s allies, know he is not the guarantor of the continuity of the state any more but continue to hold on to him to sign off on projects that consolidate their control. This paper argues that instead of a failed state, a two-headed system has emerged, with Iran and Russia each pushing for their own vision of the country.
Topic:: Imperialism, Fragile/Failed State, Authoritarianism, Military Intervention, and Repression
Political Geography:: Russia, United States, Iran, Middle East, Syria, and Damascus

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