Major protests against totalitarian regimes are sweeping across the Middle East and North Africa. Whether these movements can achieve democratic development has yet to be seen, however, changes in the political landscape are expected.
The Middle East and North Africa region, (MENA)* has long been characterised by authoritarian and totalitarian forms of government. The lack of functioning democratic mechanisms and respect of fundamental human rights is often pointed out as reasons for the region’s underdevelopment, particularly with regard to the poor position of women in all areas of society. Women in the region are both formally and also in reality deprived of many of their rights.
Although democratic breakthroughs have long seemed distant in most of the region’s countries, there have been seeds for a more positive development. Groups and individuals in all the countries are actively working towards democratic change and for the rights of vulnerable groups. In many cases domestic and foreign criticism has forced careful reforms.
Recent protests made clear just how important new information technology has become and the attempts of the governments in power to suppress this failed. Besides rapid and transparent communications, the use of the internet and mobile phones has facilitated the exchange and supply of products and services and will continue to be an important channel for development and change.
Economic development is also vitally important as it strengthens democratic processes by creating more job opportunities and increased regional integration of markets and trade. Up to one-third of the MENA population is 15 to 29 years old, giving the region one of the youngest populations in the world. The large proportion of young people and women without work therefore poses great social, financial and political dilemmas.
MENA is classified as a middle-income region. There are, however, several areas within the region where poverty is widespread, such as in the Republic of Yemen. The financial crisis has, together with climate change, contributed to increased food prices and reduced oil revenue, and a continued over-use of limited water resources. The lack of water in particular is a great hindrance to the region’s development by reducing production of foodstuffs and jobs due to land degradation and desertification.
* The region includes 18 countries, occupied Palestinian territories and Western Sahara.
