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?
Though one of the key takeaways from the semester has been that painting all the states of MENA with such broad brush is highly problematic, if I were to generalize about state strength in MENA, I would characterize the region's states as "concentrated" but weak.
One must first acknowledge that the states of MENA exist on a wide spectrum. While some states such as Libya and Syria have descended in chaos, others maintain relatively strong state institutions such as Saudi Arabia.
MENA states are 'strong' in the sense that many regimes use broad-reaching and often heavy-handed state institutions--especially the military--to control the population and maintain power. A typical example of this would be Syria, or arguably Egypt prior to the Arab revolts of 2011. With the military and the regime so closely intertwined the state apparatus is formidable and capable of exerting a great deal of influence in areas the government has a presence. However, some MENA states also seem to have trouble exerting this influence over their entire territory. Though the large and sparsely populated area of some MENA states can partially account for this, semi-autonomous regions such a Kurdistan in Iraq, or the relatively independent Sinai, show some weakness for state apparati that could be considered overbearing to those living under their direct control. In this way MENA states show characteristics of strength in areas that they definitively control, but are weak in the sense that many are unable to fully control all of the territory within their borders.
Anthony, I definitely agree with a key takeaway being that we can't generalize such a diverse region. But I disagree with the fact that you define strength as using "broad-reaching and often heavy-handed state institutions--especially the military--to control the population and maintain power." In my opinion, a truly strong state would not forcefully need to control its population - especially not via militaristic measures.
ReplyDeleteI think if we're looking at it idealistically, that would be true. But in the MENA region, the states that are perceived as "strong" seem to typically be the ones that wield as certain amount of force or influence. Saudi Arabia, for example, would be classified as a strong state because of the amount of control it exhibits within its own state and in other states in the region (for example, Bahrain and the Peninsula Shield Force in 2011 and Yemen in 2015).
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