Robustness Of The Authoritarianism Eva Bellin Summary

Ever wondered why many Middle Eastern and North African countries have not switched over to democratic ruling? Eva Bellin has cracked our inquiries with this essay entitled "The Robustness of the Authoritarianism in the Middle East: Exceptionalism in Comparative Perspective". Bellin's essay is highly based in research on why some Middle Eastern and North African countries cannot become democratic. What determines this is the will of the people and the capacity of resources (that will help in overthrowing the Government). For example one of the reasons why most North African and Middle Eastern countries do not have the will to overthrow their Government and establish a democratic Government is because some staged coos turned out non victorious (150). What I enjoyed about the essay is that Bellin included a colossal amount of research. She also had clear and concise ideas with that being said her essay was so well written, there were times when I would have an idea about something before she said it

"Thus, while Government spending on education and welfare may remain flat and economic crisis may cut into infrastructural investment, expenditure on the security apparatus remains very high. In Egypt, for example, economic crisis forced the regime to sign an IMF accord that required a reduction in the subsidy of basic goods by 14 percent. This reduction did not prevent the regime from increasing the military budget by 22 percent that same year"(148). I also dislike the fact that some leaders would use the obedience of their subjects and family members to maintain control of their Government and military forces. Although he was never established as a pilot, the commander of the armed forces in Syria was appointed the position because he was a close friend with Syria leader