Direitos humanos, democratizacao e actores internacionais: algumas consideracoes relatives ao mundo arabe

In: Relações internacionais: R:I, Heft 9, S. 5-23

Abstract

The article looks at the contributions of international actors to democratisation processes & reflects on the Arab world in a comparative light. It is argued that international actors can play a supportive role & that a global/regional climate or zeitgeist favouring democratisation can be a powerful stimulus for change. However, there are no "recipes" for success: interventions, ranging from sanctions to quiet diplomacy, are fraught with pitfalls & success often depends on the qualities of leadership, fortune, & other unpredictable factors. The Arab world presents special & particularly intractable challenges, due to the structure of the economies, the durability of authoritarian traditions, the problem posed by disloyal oppositions, & the absence of a favourable regional context. Adapted from the source document.