Why do authoritarian regimes prevail in the Middle East, while successful democratic transitions are occurring in the developing world? This text focuses on the role of political institutions and the strategic choices made by both rulers and opposition challengers, revealing how the balance of power continues to favor the status quo.

Why do authoritarian regimes prevail in the Middle East, while successful democratic transitions are occurring elsewhere in the developing world? Authoritarianism in the Middle East addresses this question, focusing on the role of political institutions and the strategic choices made by both rulers and opposition challengers. The authors eschew cultural explanations, highlighting instead the importance of robust coercive apparatuses in the region and the context of incumbent-opposition struggles. Their work sheds light on pivotal political dynamics throughout the Middle East, revealing the numerous ways in which the balance of power continues to favor the status quo.

Introduction: The "Democracy Deficit" in Comparative Perspective - M.P. Posusney. The Reins Of Power. Authoritarianism in the Middle East: Coercive Institutions and Coercive Leaders - E. Bellin. Political Crisis and Restabilization: Iraq, Libya, Syria, and Tunisia - J. Brownlee. Elite Fragmentation in Iran: Contestation Without Democracy - A. Keshavarzian. Challenges To Authoritarian Rule. Multiparty Elections in Six Arab Nations - M.P. Posusney. Party Systems and Regime Formation: Turkish Exceptionalism in Comparative Perspective - M.P. Angrist. A Study in Contrasts: Opposition and Economic Crises in Jordan and Morocco - E. Lust-Okar. Princes, Parliaments, and the Prospects for Democracy in the Gulf - M. Herb. Too Much Civil Society, Too Little Politics? Egypt and Other Liberalizing Arab Regimes - V. Langohr. Conclusion. The Outlook for Authoritarians - M.P. Angrist.