• Authors: Gi Yeon Koo, Haeun Han, Soyeon Ahn et al.
• Publication Date: December / 2025
• Publisher: SNU Press

A New Perspective on the Middle East

Does civil society exist in the Middle East? In recent years, across the Middle East and North Africa, the hopes for democratization that followed the Arab Spring have largely collapsed, with an increasing number of cases reverting to authoritarian rule. In Türkiye, for example, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has, since coming to power in 2003, moved decisively toward long-term rule while strengthening authoritarian governance. Egypt and Tunisia, too, failed to complete a transition to democracy after overthrowing dictatorial regimes through the Arab Spring and have instead reverted to authoritarianism. In Egypt, President Abdul Fattah el-Sisi has, since taking power through a military coup in 2013, consolidated a long-term ruling system and suppressed the activities of civil society.