Category: Uncategorized

To be able to study authoritarianism, one must apply different lenses to view the whole picture. Focusing on the economical and political factors of a regime is essential in fully understanding it. However, only evaluating those two aspects would lead political scientists only grasping the general idea of what upholds and brings about a regime.…

In the Middle East and Northern Africa, monarchs face substantial challenges opposing their rule. With democracy overtaking the rest of the world, MENA has struggled with maintaining its monarchies located in the region. Constantly plagued with the possibilities of militaristic coups or economic downfall, MENA monarchies are facing a possible extinction crisis. However, it must…

Tunisia faces a dire climate crisis regarding the encroaching Sahara Desert towards the south. This war on sand is currently one of the most politically important national issues within Tunisia as without resistance, the sand will envelop the crop land, dry up many natural water sources, and destroy infrastructure of some southern cities. It is…

Rentierism mainly consists of governments, specifically those with small amounts of people in leadership positions, controlling trade of their most profitable/abundant resources and using the money made to funnel right back into the government so that the leaders can remain in power. This money is used in different ways, whether it is to strengthen the…

In “Searching Where the light Shines: Studying Democratization in the Middle East”, Lisa Anderson tackles the difficult question as to why middle eastern countries continue to resist and reject democracy as a form of government. Anderson brings several points to the table as to why the Middle East is an enigma in the modern era…