On the Bright Side

Abstract

Despite the numerous and somewhat discouraging impediments, there are some factors that could facilitate a democratic transition in Egypt. Emerging pro-democracy forces have four advantages—the Internet, satellite TV, mobile telephones, and blogs—that will impact Egyptian society in the coming years. These tools feed a change dynamic that erodes traditional authority structures in families, society, culture, religion, and also the state, thereby creating pressure for reform. They will change dynamics that have been accepted for generations, and they will increase political consciousness as the government loses the ability to control information. Western powers can help by abandoning their selfish policies of supporting regimes in the name of stability, because in the long term such policies are counterproductive. Instead of adopting their usual imperialist role, it behooves of the West to help Egypt transition into democracy and the rule of law. To be effective, the West must understand why their past efforts failed to bear fruit and were, in fact, a handicap for reform.