Democratization has been a popular theme in academic
research on governance, but its success in tribal societies has been
questionable. While democracy may be a suitable form of governance in some
societies, it may not necessarily be the best fit for all. This article
explores the success of non-democratic governance in tribal societies, with a
particular focus on Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Rwanda, and UAE.
In recent years, these countries have made significant
progress in areas such as infrastructure, education, and healthcare, despite
not being democratic. These countries have implemented policies and governance
models that have led to stability and economic development. For instance, in
2021, Saudi Arabia ranked 14th in the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business
index, reflecting the country's success in attracting foreign investment.
In Saudi
Arabia, for example, the government has launched the ambitious Vision 2030
plan, which aims to diversify the country's economy and reduce its dependence
on oil. One of the key pillars of the plan is the development of the tourism
sector, which includes initiatives such as the Makkah Route project. This
project aims to promote Islamic heritage and culture by developing the
infrastructure and services of the historic routes to Makkah, with a focus on
improving the experience of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. In addition, Saudi Arabia
has invested heavily in infrastructure, with the opening of theme parks,
historic sites and opening up the country for investment and other attractions.
These initiatives have not only helped to attract more tourists to the country
but have also created new job opportunities and boosted the economy.
Similarly, Qatar has achieved significant success
through non-democratic governance, with a focus on promoting its cultural
heritage and identity. The Qatar National Vision 2030 has been a key initiative
in this regard, aiming to promote social development, economic prosperity, and
environmental sustainability while preserving the country's cultural heritage.
Qatar has also made strides in tourism, hosting major international events such
as the FIFA World Cup 2022 and investing in world-class museums, universities,
and infrastructure. These efforts have contributed to Qatar's economic growth
and global prominence, demonstrating the potential for alternative forms of
governance to achieve success in tribal societies.
Rwanda is another example of a non-democratic
government that has achieved impressive economic and social development. In the
aftermath of the 1994 genocide, the government implemented a series of reforms
that focused on national unity, reconciliation, and economic development. The
government's Vision 2020 aims to transform Rwanda into a middle-income country
by promoting private sector growth and investment in infrastructure.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as a global
hub for business and tourism, thanks to its focus on investing in
infrastructure and promoting economic diversification. The country's leadership
has been successful in attracting foreign investment, particularly through
initiatives such as the development of their airport and the Emirates airline.
Additionally, the UAE's ports, such as the Dubai Ports World, have become key
players in global trade. The UAE's Vision 2021 aims to continue promoting
economic diversification, social development, and environmental sustainability,
while also preserving the country's cultural heritage. Through these efforts,
the UAE has achieved remarkable economic and social progress under its
non-democratic governance.
While the success of non-democratic governance in
Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Rwanda, and the UAE is notable, it is also important to
acknowledge the failures of democratic initiatives in other countries. In
particular, the United States' attempts to promote democracy in Iraq,
Afghanistan, and Libya have faced significant challenges.
The US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 aimed to overthrow
the dictatorship of Saddam Hussein and establish a democratic government, but
the country has since faced ongoing political instability, sectarian violence,
and corruption. The official death toll of the war in Iraq is estimated to be
over 600,000, including both Iraqi civilians and military personnel, as well as
foreign soldiers. The 2019 protests in Iraq highlighted the government's
failure to provide basic services, including electricity and clean water,
leading to widespread public discontent.
Similarly, the US-led intervention in Afghanistan
aimed to remove the Taliban regime and establish a democratic government.
Despite over 20 years of efforts, Afghanistan has faced ongoing conflict,
corruption, and political instability. The official death toll of the war in
Afghanistan was approximately 2,400 American soldiers, 80,000 Afghan civilians,
and more than 66,000 Afghan military and police personnel. However, the
Taliban's swift takeover of the country in 2021 has completely reversed any
progress towards democracy, leading to grave concerns about the future of human
rights and civil liberties in Afghanistan.
In 2011, the US and its allies supported the overthrow
of Muammar Gaddafi in Libya, with the goal of establishing a democratic
government. However, this led to the country's descent into political chaos and
violence, with various factions competing for power. The lack of security and
political stability has resulted in a significant loss of life and a
humanitarian crisis, with an estimated 30,000 people killed and many more
displaced or lacking access to basic services.
These failures highlight the challenges of promoting
democracy in societies with complex cultural and political dynamics. It is
important to acknowledge that democracy may not be the best fit for all
societies, and alternative forms of governance may be necessary.
Academic research has shown that democratization in
tribal societies can be difficult. In "The Challenges of Democratization
in Tribal Societies: The Case of Yemen," Khaled Fattah examines the
difficulties of democratization in Yemen, which is a tribal society, and argues
that traditional values and structures can make the process of democratization
challenging. Similarly, "Democracy and Tribal Societies: A Study of the
Niger Delta Region of Nigeria," by O. J. Eribo and Hakeem Onapajo, explores
the relationship between democracy and tribal societies in the Niger Delta
region of Nigeria and finds that tribal societies can be resistant to
democratic values and practices. Mahmood Monshipouri also examines the
challenges of democratization in tribal societies in his article, "The
Democratic Conundrum in Tribal Societies," and argues that the cultural
values and traditions of these societies can make it difficult to introduce
democratic principles.
While critics argue that non-democratic governments
can be prone to corruption and lack accountability, the success of Saudi
Arabia, Qatar, Rwanda, and the UAE demonstrate that alternative forms of
governance can lead to stability and economic development. These countries have
implemented policies and governance models that have led to improved
infrastructure, social programs, and economic growth. Furthermore, their focus
on promoting national unity, improving education, and investing in their people
has contributed to their success.
It is important to note that any form of governance
can face challenges, and non-democratic governments are no exception. However,
the success of these countries shows that alternative forms of governance can
work effectively, especially in societies with unique cultural values and
traditions that may not align with democratic principles. Therefore, exploring
and implementing alternative forms of governance that better reflect these
values can lead to greater stability and development.
By Ali Osman
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