Structured Response #1

            In the reading, “Coercive Institutions and Coercive Leaders,” Bellin argues that it is much more than weak civil society and poverty that prevents the MENA region from participating in democratic reform. Others believe that these problems, as well as geographic and economic reasons stifle the growth of democracy in the MENA region. However, Bellin points out that nations with similar civil society, poverty, geographic issues and economic styles have achieved democracy, while countries in the MENA region have not developed at all in recent years, some sliding even further from democratic principles. 

            Bellin argues that the main reason the MENA region has not developed democratically is “the stalwart will and capacity of the state’s coercive apparatus to suppress any glimmers of democratic initiative that have extinguished the possibility of transition” (Bellin 26). Bellin believes that MENA regimes have both the power and the will to repress any type of democratic transition, which makes it nearly impossible to create change in the region. In response to the Arab Spring uprisings of 2011, Bellin would likely find that the regimes in countries like Egypt and Tunisia were weakened and exposed; the forces of democratic change were able to make headway as a result of regimes have the will, but not the complete power to control their state.

            I find Bellin’s argument to be fairly accurate, though I do believe that some of the points she dismisses are also causes of the MENA regions lack of democratization. Civil society in the MENA region may be developing, but there is no doubt that it is still weak. The atmosphere in the region creates difficultly for individuals to meet, discuss, and learn about politics and possible alternatives to their current regimes. Without the fostering of new ideas and principles, it is nearly impossible for democracy to gain headway. Communication is key for developing democracy in the MENA region. During the Arab Spring of 2011, the world saw the importance of the Internet and social media to create a community of individuals focused on destroying the old regimes that opposed democratic transition. But the MENA region needs more than just Twitter and Facebook to launch themselves into the world of democracy. Organizations like labor unions, business associations, and other NGOs need to develop and strengthen so that they can support a stronger civil society and in turn create a greater hope for democratization.