Of Empires And Citizens: Pro-American Democracy Or No Democracy At All?

In the post-Cold War era, democratization has been slow in the Arab world. This book argues that support for the authoritarian status quo is influenced by a strong U.S. presence and anti-American sentiment, which weaken democratic voices. Examining countries such as Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, Palestine, and Saudi Arabia, Amaney Jamal explores how Arab citizens decide whether to support existing regimes, regime transitions, and democratization efforts. The book highlights how the global positioning of Arab states shapes public attitudes toward their governments. It further discusses how U.S. security and economic reliance affect Arab preferences, often restraining democratization due to geostrategic concerns. Jamal emphasizes the importance of considering international influences when analyzing democratization processes, noting that future developments depend significantly on perceptions of American reactions and the need for the U.S. to address anti-American sentiments.