Democracy has established itself around the world as the gold standard for governance. This is largely due to the success of Western democratic nations following World War II, and the prosperity that continues to accompany them today. The foundations of democracy in current countries is largely due to the Romans, specifically the principles of majority participation in politics. However, democracy is not perfect, and often takes many years to develop before growth is recognizable in a new regime. This has been the case in the Middle East since the United States increased its presence in the region in 2003 (specifically Iraq), with little progression in terms of concrete regimes establishing control.
Countries like Iraq have a rich history, and customs that date back to the dawn of humanity. This is important to understand, due to the reality that people are less susceptible to change after they immerse themselves in a culture and familiar environment.[1] The political instability in Iraq following the overthrow of Saddam Hussein by the United States and its allies effectively created a power vacuum in the country. This is comparable to the premature death of Alexander the Great, and his lack of a plan for a successor. Alexander’s early death contributed to “the [lack of] opportunity to implement whatever plans for the organization of his empire.” [2] The result of the absence of a clear successor for his empire saw stark divisions of territory by Alexander’s generals, along with armed conflicts between them.
The lack of a clear leader of a state is a recipe for conflict. In the same way as Alexander’s empire, Iraq, following the death of Saddam Hussein, fell victim to terrorist groups and civil war. Iraq remained somewhat stable with U.S. presence until 2011, however after the U.S. removed itself, the state fell into turmoil. Even under the governance of a Republic with a parliament, prime minister, and president, Iraq has fallen victim to ISIL along with ongoing insurgencies. These extremist groups have been the root of ongoing battles with the state, and in turn, the cause of instability. This constant instability without defined leadership is preventing the democratic regime from establishing legitimacy.
Unfortunately, the phrase “history repeats itself” holds true when comparing issues like regime changes. Although some countries have successfully implemented systems in which peaceful turnover of power is possible, many young countries still struggle to gain a foothold on this principle. Man’s lust for power when comparing regime changes such as those of Alexander the Great in the ancient world and the Iraqi government in the modern world, illustrates how some things fail to change. Without understanding the failures of regime change in the past, we will never be able to implement systems in which leaders maintain control of their territory while simultaneously being supported by their people.
-Griffin Hamilton
Word Count: 471
[1] https://www.brookings.edu/articles/the-struggle-for-middle-east-democracy/
[2] Class Folder: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1n2a9ZyZq8GaiNVbC1g__UtRftr15wf4g
The West in the Pre-Modern World 