Wednesday, February 11, 2015
Strong versus Weak States
The notion of ‘strong’ states versus ‘weak’ states requires some elucidation. What would you say is the correct characterization of the typical MENA state? In the study of MENA political dynamics (or political dynamics anywhere for that matter) what are the implications of differing conceptualizations of ‘strong’ and ‘weak’ states?
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I think this question is interesting in terms of timing. Many states in the MENA region are in political transition. Each state is working to define what exactly they are transitioning to, but are transitioning nonetheless from decades under the same leaders. Many of the these states may be described as weak states which is prolonging the transition. The deposition of the heads of states is leading to a place of chaos as many long-standing institutions collapse. Syria and Libya are examples of this. Lebanon is another example of a weak state as they constantly seem on the verge of political collapse. (They can't even elect a president at the present time). However, some states, like Egypt per se, do seem to be strong states. While they have deposed and instated several leaders over the past couple of years, many argue that the "deep state" remains and that there has been no real change.
ReplyDeleteI believe that the "Arab Spring" has brought to light key challenges in the MENA region that had previously existed for quite some time. These problems include continuous conflict leading to high unemployment levels (especially among youth); increased corruption and lack of accountability and transparency; large state-owned businesses in the public sector that hinder the development of private businesses and investment. Additionally, a number of countries are dependent on foreign goods or businesses, for example, Saudi Arabia, which has a high dependence on fuel and food imports generating extensive exposure to price volatility, and the UAE which is largely dependent on the presence of foreign businesses. Given that these challenges are both structural and interconnected, they can be addressed only through a coordinated and comprehensive strategy that involves governments, the private sector, civil society, and the international community. Unless this happens, I consider even the states in the MENA region that might appear to be strong states like UAE, Saudi Arabia or Jordan, to actually be weak states because of their economic and political dependence on foreign powers and businesses.
ReplyDeleteMona, do you think that there are any states in the region that are not dependent on foreign powers and businesses for survival?
DeleteI think that defining a “typical” MENA state might prove problematic, but it’s not altogether impossible. The states of the region vary in their power structure, but certain patterns prevail, and the most predominant form state in the Middle East is one that is not representative of the majority. Authoritarian rule abounds throughout much of the Middle East, with very rare exceptions. The relative strength/weakness of a state depends on its ability to provide goods for the public, along with the ability to monopolize power and retain legitimacy. Again, there are differences in the level of state strength across the MENA region. The typical state in the MENA region then, is authoritarian, but the ability to hold on to power differs in the states of the region.
ReplyDeleteFor example, the Saudi state is authoritarian, and able to provide enough public goods so that the population does not pose a threat to its existence. The ruling family’s ability to retain legitimacy through religious means, however, is increasingly under question. The same goes for Bahrain and some other Persian Gulf states. These states rely heavily on external rents to maintain their strength. I agree with Mona that, even some ostensibly “strong” states most states in the region-because of their dependence on foreign powers-are actually quite weak.
Parsa, I do not think there are any states that are independent of any foreign powers. If not dependent politically they are dependent economically. Most Arab states are rentier states, and being completely independent in the Middle East will only pose a threat to Israel and the world's well being.
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