Globalization and Political Elite Institutional Choices: The Impact on Democratization in Africa and the Middle East

Abstract

Newly independent nation-states grapple with governance, in the midst of globalization and democratic waves. The post-colonial political mavericks can manipulate the institutions in the fragile states to the extent that the choices may be antithetical to democratic consolidation. Thus, institutional choices will be one of the factors which will determine democratic maturation. This paper seeks to examine any patterns of institutional choices or generalities by political elites in Africa and the Middle East, coupled with the realities of globalization. Secondly, this paper will illustrate which institutional choices in general are perhaps more feasible for democratic consolidation in fragile states.