Description
Book Synopsis: Why do some militaries support and others thwart transitions to democracy? After the Arab Spring revolutions, why did Egypt's military stage a coup to end the transition? Conversely, why did Tunisia's military initially support the transition, only to later facilitate the elected president's dismantling of democracy?
In Soldiers of Democracy? Military Legacies and the Arab Spring, Sharan Grewal argues that a military's behavior under democracy is shaped by how it had been treated under autocracy. Autocrats who had empowered their militaries produce soldiers who will repress protests and stage coups to preserve their privileges. Meanwhile, autocrats who had marginalized their militaries produce soldiers who support democratization, but who are also more susceptible to incumbent takeovers and civil wars. The dictator's choice to either empower or marginalize the military thus creates legacies that shape both the likelihood of democratization and the forms by which it breaks down.
Drawing on over 140 interviews with civilian and military leaders, and three surveys of military personnel, this scholarly volume illustrates this theory through detailed case studies of Egypt and Tunisia. Grewal also probes the generalizability of the theory through a cross-national analysis of all countries between 1946-2010. Overall, he brings the military front and center to the study of democratic transition and consolidation.
Details
Discover the hidden factors that shape the destiny of countries in the groundbreaking book, Soldiers of Democracy? Uncover the intricate relationship between militaries and democratic transitions in the Arab Spring with Sharan Grewal's thought-provoking analysis. Through in-depth research and compelling case studies, this scholarly volume reveals why some militaries support the rise of democracy while others become the greatest obstacle to its progress.
Unveiling the power dynamics at play in countries like Egypt and Tunisia, Grewal demonstrates how autocrats' treatment of their military forces has a lasting impact on their behavior under democracy. Empowered militaries tend to suppress protests and stage coups to preserve their privileges. On the other hand, marginalized militaries are more likely to support democratization, creating a delicate balance between progress and vulnerability.
Grewal backs his theory with over 140 interviews with key civilian and military leaders, as well as surveys of military personnel. This comprehensive approach not only provides unparalleled insights into the Arab Spring but also extends its applicability to a cross-national analysis of countries from 1946 to 2010.
If you want to understand the intricate forces that shape the fate of nations, Soldiers of Democracy? is a must-read. Gain a deep understanding of the role of militaries in democratic transition and consolidation. Grab your copy now and let the unveiling begin.
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