Algeria: a case study in incomplete democratization
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http://hdl.handle.net/11603/1971Metadata
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Date
2013-07-082013-05
Type of Work
application/pdfv, 95 pages.
Text
theses
Program
Towson University. Social Sciences ProgramRights
Copyright protected, all rights reserved.There are no restrictions on access to this document. An internet release form signed by the author to display this document online is on file with Towson University Special Collections and Archives.
Abstract
Algeria is currently a pseudo-democratic state that attempted democratization in the 1980s, but ultimately failed. This thesis investigates how initial democratization began and ended, and how current political characteristics prevent democracy from consolidating. The government gives precedence to elite economic interests over popular interests, an easy task considering the centralization of oil and gas wealth. Under current president Abdelaziz Bouteflika, the presidency has become the most powerful authority, escaping executive constraints, and the parliament and political parties are weak and unable to represent diverse interests. Algeria fails to meet all of Robert Dahl's criteria of a democracy. Given the history of stagnated democratization, it is not likely that Algerians or the government will take initiative to further democratize any time soon.