The US Attempts to Democratize the Middle East: The Effects of Internal-External Connections

Abstract

To eliminate terrorism, the Bush administration was urged to break the shackles of the status quo in the Middle East. The US administration grasps that this region is distinguished less by ethos (Arab) or religious (Islamic) traits than by the absence of democracy; consequently, the US has pursued a freedom agenda with the conviction that a liberal grand strategy will promote her national interests. The Bush administration has prioritized Middle East democracy advancement in its foreign policy since September 11, 2001. Numerous scholarly works have acknowledged the importance of both internal and external factors in the process of democratization. The fact that the United States is by far the most important external actor in the region demands careful consideration. More precisely, the possible consequences of U.S. policies during George W. Bush's administration between 2001 and 2008 deserve particular consideration given the remarkable methods by which his administration attempted to effect these changes and the fact that they transpired during and shortly after the Bush policies were implemented. By using the qualitative method, the study makes the case that the democratization of the Arab world in particular is seen as a vital weapon for fighting against
the "war on terror." The US is claiming that by launching multiple projects, it has sparked reform and contributed to the democratization of the Arab Middle East. This paper examines the obstacles the US is encountering in implementing its policies in the Arab countries.