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Reform, Protest, Change

Against the backdrop of simmering protests, endemic economic challenges, the continuing struggle to contain the Covid-19 pandemic, and fallout from the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, The Washington Institute has launched a series of policy papers to help guide the Biden administration’s approach on democracy, reform, human rights, and political change across the Middle East and North Africa.

 

The series addresses a range of questions: How do changes in the region over the last decade affect the new administration’s approach to these issues? How should the administration best prepare for the “new normal” of protests in the region? What are the policy tools at America’s disposal, and how might they be improved upon? How can Washington turn much-needed attention to new areas of focus, such as corruption and public-sector reform? What does public opinion research tell us about what the region’s publics want in their countries—and from the United States? And where might enhanced U.S.-EU coordination play a constructive role? The proposed answers will assist policymakers in advancing opportunities for reform, preserving U.S. interests, and navigating Middle East realities in the context of America’s global priorities.

Articles in this Series

Biden Summit for Democracy 2021, Tunisia media protesters, Egyptian democracy workshop
Maps & Graphics
In-Depth Reports
Reexamining U.S. Aid to the Middle East:
Ideas for Advancing Both Governance and Democracy
Massive U.S. investment has failed to improve outcomes since the Arab Spring uprisings. A more targeted, sensitive approach could yield better results and promote regional stability.
Dec 14, 2022
◆
  • Ben Fishman
◆ Reform, Protest, Change
Women and protesters in Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon
Maps & Graphics
In-Depth Reports
Beyond Elections:
Evolving Arab Public Opinion on Democracy and Human Rights
U.S. efforts in the region stand a better chance of success if they consider rising demand for accountable governance, skepticism about democratic institutions, and various nation-specific trends.
Oct 27, 2022
◆
  • Catherine Cleveland
  • David Pollock
◆ Reform, Protest, Change
Arab Spring Tunisia Yemen Bahrain Egypt Libya Syria
Audio
In-Depth Reports
No Going Back
Activists Reflect a Decade After the Arab Spring
Interviews with thirteen activists reveal a deep sense of disappointment but also a shared conviction that a new reform movement will eventually rise and deliver lasting change to the region.
Mar 7, 2022
◆
  • Roy Gutman
◆ Reform, Protest, Change
Middle East Protests, Burning Flag
In-Depth Reports
Washington and the Next Arab Spring
Should protests grow more destabilizing, the United States will need to balance its values and interests regarding bilateral ties, the popular movement in question, broader regional dynamics, and competition with Russia or China.
Oct 3, 2021
◆
  • Sarah Feuer
  • David Schenker
◆ Reform, Protest, Change
Middle East doctor, Turkish protestor, veiled voter
In-Depth Reports
A New Start for the U.S. on Mideast Democracy and Human Rights
In a region where publics are clamoring for healthcare, housing, jobs, and freedom of expression, progress toward electoral democracy need not always be the top priority.
Sep 19, 2021
◆
  • David Pollock
  • Robert Satloff
◆ Reform, Protest, Change

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