Pacted Democracy in the Middle East

H​icham Alaoui is Research Associate at the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs, Harvard University, USA.

• 1. Locating the Inquiry.- 2. History, Secularism, and Islam.- 3. A Theory of Pacted Democracy.- 4. Tunisia – Development and State Formation.- 5. Tunisian Pacting and Islamist-Secularist Compromise.- 6. Egypt as Case of Failed Pacting.- 7. Conclusion.

“Alaoui’s book stands out as a major contribution to MENA regional studies, comparative politics, democratisation studies, and the study of religion and politics more broadly. … His book will be of broad interest to scholars, students, policymakers, and also hopefully those in the region who might someday contribute to shaping a future of greater freedom for MENA’s large population of young people.” (Mieczysław P. Boduszyński, The Journal of North African Studies, May 30, 2023)