Modern democracy in the Mediterranean

Abstract

This dissertation is a researched study of the concept of modern democracy, with particular reference to the twenty-one States that border the Mediterranean shore. My aim is to discuss this theme from an all encompassing point of view, but mostly, I shall be focusing my attention on the economic, legal and political perspectives of democratic governance. In order to do so, I have divided my thesis into three parts: Firstly, I shall explore this subject from an ideological point of view based on the theories expressed by Liberal, Marxist and Socialist political thinkers. I shall then move on to discuss modern democracy from a structural point of view by analysing such issues as the ideal political institutional guarantees, different government structures, separation of powers, rule of law, legal basis, as well as, the interlink between democracy and economic factors. Secondly, I shall move on to a more practical level by discussing the political, legal, economic considerations in relation to democracy in Mediterranean countries, whilst highlighting their interaction in the functioning of a democratic system of government. Important questions raised in this section shall include whether it is true that economic growth brings about democracy or vice versa, the relevance of a Constitution, the best political structure, if any, and so on. I shall also look into the issue of the so-called 'democratic gap' along the southern Mediterranean shore by exploring whether this interesting phenomenon is of a cultural, religious, or of a political, historical nature. Last but not least, I shall discuss how intergovernmental/regional organizations - such as the European Union, the United Nations, the Council of Europe, the Organisation for Security and Co-operation and the Parlia To this end, I shall examine the important role of various initiatives being undertaken by these key players by means of: the European Neighbourhood Policy; the former Euro-Mediterranean Partnership and now the Union for the Mediterranean; the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights; the Centre of Expertise for Local Government Reform; the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights and the Parliamentary Assembly.