Arab Public Opinion towards Democracy

Relying on the results of a number of opinion polls conducted across the Arab world, this paper seeks to determine public attitudes towards democracy and regional democratic transition. Throughout, the paper presupposes that the Arab publics are both the subject and object of discussion. The results presented here indicate that widespread Arab support for democracy, coupled with a public perception of the importance of democracy, does not translate into total acceptance of a democratic system of governance in practical terms. ​

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Relying on the results of a number of opinion polls conducted across the Arab world, this paper seeks to determine public attitudes towards democracy and regional democratic transition. Throughout, the paper presupposes that the Arab publics are both the subject and object of discussion. The results presented here indicate that widespread Arab support for democracy, coupled with a public perception of the importance of democracy, does not translate into total acceptance of a democratic system of governance in practical terms. ​

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