Demokrati! Från vem? : En jämförande studie om externt inflytande i demokratiseringen av Turkiet och Egypten

Sammanfattning:

The aim of this thesis is to study the cause of Egypt´s failed development of the transition to democracy and vice versa, the reason why Turkey succeeded in democratic transition. Thesis methodology is a comparative analysis between design units Egypt and Turkey. Thus, the most similar design used in the investigation.

European Commission began in 1998 to review Turkey´s political and economic reforms to fulfil the Copenhagen criteria. 2005 began negotiations on a Turkish- EU membership. U.S and Egypt have enjoyed close economic, security and democratic cooperation since 1975. United States during the period of cooperation has given 28 billion dollar in military, economic and democratic assistance. Hence it is essential to examine if the external influence was the cause of Egypt´s failed democratization, and Turkey´s successful democratization. In the study, Linz & Stepan´s theory of democratic transition and consolidation have been used. Analytical instrument is taken from Niklasson´s study of democratic transition in Eastern European countries and the external influences in the transition process.

The empirical material shows that the EU has been the cause of Turkey´s successful democratization. This is due to several reasons; clear requirements combined with financial and political support, and the right political and economic incentives. U.S has provided assistance to Egypt with financial and military assistance without any demands for democratic development. Thus there is no political will to demand more democracy. The American influence, without reservation, on the government of Egypt and a major financial assistance to military institutions has been the cause of Egypt´s failed democratization.