Middle East Review Publication Overview
The Asia Institute published "Middle East Review Volume 1" in February 2014, which included a political-economic report titled "Transformation of Middle East Politics and Limitations of Islamism." This report is co-authored by researchers Suzuki Hitoshi, Naito Masanori, Watanabe Sachiko, Darwish Hosam, Ishiguro Daiichi, Saito Jun, and Tsuchiya Kazuki.
Political Transformation After Arab Spring
Significance of Egypt's Regime Change: The military-led regime change that occurred in Egypt in early July 2013 and the subsequent political turmoil symbolizes the nature of long-term political upheaval in the Middle East that began in early 2011. This signifies the exposure of limitations of "Islamism," which had been the region's major political ideology.
Historical Positioning of Islamism
Evolution of Political Trends: As Arab nationalism that rose in the 1950s lost political appeal from the 1970s onward, "Islamist" political currents that had been penetrating Middle Eastern countries since the 1980s were expected to expand social support among Muslim masses while presenting a "third way" different from socialism.
Post-Regime Collapse Developments: After the collapse of authoritarian regimes in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Yemen and other countries, Islamist forces came to the political forefront because they possessed specific models that could appeal to Muslim masses.
Organizational Base of Islamist Forces
Formation of Diverse Political Groups: Islamist forces formed multiple political groups including the Muslim Brotherhood and Salafist movements based on historical circumstances, each developing social organizational and mobilization capabilities through dedicated service activities following Islamic teachings.
Exposure of Political Limitations: However, in actual governance, the essential political limitations of Islamism became apparent, leading Middle East politics to a new turning point.
This report is provided as a 1.77MB PDF file and provides detailed analysis of Middle East political trends since the Arab Spring.