Is the Indonesian transition a model for the Arab Spring?

Carnegie, Paul J. (2013) Is the Indonesian transition a model for the Arab Spring? Institute of Asian Studies, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Gadong.

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Abstract

Over the last two years, the 'Indonesian model' has become an increasingly repeated mantra in media and policy circles. It seems to hold the promise of a 'road map' for the nascent transitions taking place in the Arab world. The logic and appeal here is obvious. Simply stated, Indonesia is the most populous Muslim country on the planet and in the decade or more since the downfall of Suharto; it has successfully, if not always without difficulty, transitioned from authoritarian rule to a functioning democracy. At the same time, initial concerns over radical Islamist ascendency have proved largely unfounded. In fact, Indonesia accommodates a diversity of political expression within the framework of democratic electoral politics. All of which explains the recent interest. Having said this, should we hold up the 'Indonesian model' as a general panacea for what ails the Middle East? The following paper introduces a note of caution by examining this question in more detail to see whether or not our apples are actually oranges and what lessons, if any, can we draw.

Item Type:	Other
Additional Information:	The Institute launched a Working Paper Series in 2012. It is a key component of the IAS profile both locally and internationally. The Working Paper Series acts as a publication resource to facilitate the rapid and open-access dissemination of work by IAS scholars, UBD faculty and other scholars working in and on the region. This Series of topical peer-reviewed research papers, many of which go on to finalized publication in international journals, is available in printed and online versions. Papers from the IAS WPS can be downloaded from the list located on this webpage. Printed versions are also available from the Institute’s publication collection.
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HX Socialism. Communism. Anarchism J Political Science > JQ Political institutions Asia
Divisions:	Faculty of Business and Economics (FBE) > School of Government, Development and International Affairs
Depositing User:	Repo Editor
Date Deposited:	05 Dec 2016 21:20
Last Modified:	05 Dec 2016 21:20
URI:	http://repository.usp.ac.fj/id/eprint/9164

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