Political Legitimacy Shaped by Symbolic Democracy and Strategic Autocracy within the Arab League
In the realm of regional diplomacy, the leading member states of the Arab League have been actively engaged in supporting democracy in the European Union's southern neighbourhood. These states, including Qatar, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, play pivotal roles in mediation efforts and regional stability, particularly in response to Israeli military actions, as evidenced in the Arab-Islamic summit activities in Doha in 2025.
However, a study suggests that the League's commitment to democracy may not be rooted in normative principles but rather in the strategic interests of dominant member states, notably the GCC monarchies. This revelation comes as the League has been proactive and interventionist in Libya and Syria, under the guise of humanitarianism and democracy, while remaining passive or complicit in Bahrain and Yemen.
The 2011 Arab uprisings provide a critical juncture to evaluate the League's approach towards democracy. The study posits that the League's actions expose a pattern of authoritarian cooperation rather than genuine support for democratic change. This pattern is further underscored by the League's creation of tools and narratives aligned with democratic principles, such as election monitoring, human rights charters, and governance reforms, which often amount to symbolic gestures rather than meaningful commitments towards democracy.
The goal of the League's actions appears to be regime survival and regional stability rather than genuine democratic change. This is evident in the League's actions, which are often cloaked in pro-democracy rhetoric, but reveal a pattern of authoritarian cooperation.
Despite these findings, it is important to note that the League has made efforts to support both democracy and autocracy in the EU's Southern Neighbourhood. This complex approach underscores the challenges faced by the League in navigating the delicate balance between promoting democracy and preserving regional stability.
In conclusion, while the League of Arab States has made efforts to support democracy, the driving forces behind these efforts appear to be strategic interests rather than a sincere commitment to democratic principles. As such, it is crucial to continue evaluating the League's actions and their impact on the promotion of democracy in the region.
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