DEMOCRATIZATION OF THE GULF COUNTRIES: ROLE OF THE UNITED STATES DURING THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION (2000– 2008)

Abstract

This study is an effort to contribute to understanding of the ongoing process of democratization in the Gulf region. The study explores the role played by the United States and its Civil Society in the process of democratization of the Gulf Countries, namely Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, during 2000 and 2008. Among the questions addressed in this study are (a) to what extent has the Bush Administration supported democratization in the Gulf region? (b) what role the nongovernmental American organizations have played in this regard? and (c) what is the official response of the Governments in the Gulf region to the U.S. demands for democratic change? Activities carried out by the American State and Civil Society that promote democratic values and strengthen democratic institutions have been examined. The study is an effort to examine what role the United States played to enhance democracy in the Gulf region during 2000 and 2008. Focus of the study is on areas of politics, economy, education, civil society, human rights, women empowerment, and media. Goals, objectives, approaches, strategies, and tools adopted by the U.S. State and Society have been examined in the light of the Bush Administration’s policy of democracy promotion in the Middle East. The study also takes an account of the reforms and changes that have taken place in the region during this period