Sectarianism After the Arab Spring: An Exaggerated Spectre

This policy brief argues that although the Arab spring has led to greater sectarianism in the Arab world, this should not be used as a justification for limiting democratic reforms. The author contends that the Arab spring has opened new avenues of regional tensions, in particular between Iran and the Gulf countries. The overemphasis of Arab leaders on the dangers of sectarianism, however, conveniently serves their purpose of safeguarding the power of ruling elites. Thus, the international community should not be overly taken in by the narrative that reforms should be limited due to sectarian tension.

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