Realism and Democracy: American Foreign Policy after the Arab Spring

America is turning away from support for democrats in Arab countries in favor of pragmatic deals with tyrants to defeat violent Islamist extremism. In Realism and Democracy, Elliott Abrams argues that repression helps Islamists beat democrats, while political openings offer moderates and liberals a chance. This book makes a powerful argument for an American foreign policy that combines practical politics and idealism and refuses to abandon those struggling for democracy and human rights in the Arab world.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 310 pages
Publication date: 03 January 2019
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

America is shifting its support away from democrats in Arab countries and towards pragmatic agreements with tyrants in the fight against violent Islamist extremism. For many policymakers, Arab democracy is considered a luxury that is not worth the risk. In his book, Realism and Democracy, Elliott Abrams, a renowned American official and Middle East expert, argues that deals with tyrants will not be effective in defeating Islamism. Abrams emphasizes that Islamism is a belief that can only be overcome by a superior idea: democracy. Through a comprehensive analysis of America's past efforts in promoting democracy in the region and beyond, from the Cold War to the Obama years, Abrams demonstrates that repression only aids Islamists in defeating democrats, while political openings provide opportunities for moderates and liberals. This book makes a compelling case for an American foreign policy that blends practical politics with idealism and refuses to abandon those who are fighting for democracy and human rights in the Arab world.

Weight: 460g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108401715