An Analysis of Democratic Transition in Kuwait from The 1990s Onward

Document Type : مقالات

Authors

• Khalil Sardarnia
• Alireza Ansari

Shiraz University

https://doi.org/10.22067/jipr.v5i1.58023

Abstract

Up-down democratic transitions occur in reaction to internal and external obligations and necessities by governments. This kind of transition begins in the form of liberalization and minimal democracy, and then in the process of time can lead to consolidation of democracy by providing various good situations and responsibility in government, people and civic associations. By adopting political-sociological approach and causal- analytical explanative method, the important aim of this research is finding the answer of this question: What are the most important roots or efficient factors effecting on liberalization and gradual democracy in Kuwait from the 1990s onward? Research hypothesis: The most important factors effecting on liberalization and gradual democracy in Kuwait from the 1990s onward are the invasion of Iraq to Kuwait as an important external opportunity, the intensification of demands for democracy in civic associations, civic actors and social movements, political cleavages in power block or ruling elites and the impacts of press and the internet on awareness and attitude changes. The main findings of this study indicate that against other Arab countries of the region, and with regard to some obligations, Kuwait’s government move realistically toward gradual political liberalization and this process continued in controlled manner. This transition has mainly occurred by tactical aims than substantive one and then, probably would face challenges in future.

Keywords

• Kuwait
• Up-down democratic transitions
• Civic associations
• Arab spring

References

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