The Continued Absence of a Social Contract in the Arab World

By Martin Accad

News

The Arab world is struggling to embrace a new modus operandi post Arab uprisings. The “Arab Spring” signaled the collapse of the old presumed “social contract” between increasingly globalized free-thinking citizens and the overbearing dominance of authoritarian regimes. Deep at the root of this erosion is a questioning of the very concept of authority, both political and religious. However, the Arab world continues to struggle for an alternative.

Analysis

Recent protests in Iraq and tensions in Jordan (following modest protests in 2011 and 2012) indicate that a new “social contract” did not see the light after the collapse of the old. Every new protest triggers some hurried semblance of reform before quickly subsiding under the pressures of economic realities, clientelism, and corruption.

The continued near-absence of government services, massive unemployment, socio-economic inequalities, and heavy-handed responses to protests is doing nothing to abate the anger. And all of this in regions of Iraq rich with oil and a Jordan that has all but sold its soul to outside patronage.

A “social contract” is the foundation of a political society, where citizens agree to certain boundaries and limitations on absolute freedom for the sake of order and social benefit. The citizens of most Arab countries, however, had never signed up to the authoritarian regimes inherited from the post-colonial era – that much was expressed through the Arab uprisings that brought their dictators down.

But where are the new social contracts? Arab societies continue on the brink of collapse under the weight of “rentiership,” where a vast proportion of the population is employed – largely artificially – by the state. There is no sign that the shake-off of authoritarianism is leading to equal rights and equal citizenship across social, economic, ethnic, and religious strata. Deep state corruption and clientelism remain rampant, with little economic opportunity for anyone outside narrow circles at the top. And multi-party systems only peak their noses briefly before being quashed again by a fearful political elite.

Theological Reflections

Human dignity and the equal value of all life are at the core of any theology of creation. This is why the yearning for such fundamental worth is essential to our very nature. Furthermore, from a biblical perspective, the belief in the non-conflicting nature of diversity with unity and equality are at the core of the Christian belief in a Triune God. Humans can be diverse while remaining equal. They can be united in purpose for the common good without capitulating their diversity.

No new social contract in the Arab world will alleviate the fundamental uprising of Arab peoples against authoritarianism expressed during the “Arab Spring” without respecting and aligning with these essential yearnings for human dignity, freedom, equality, and unity in diversity. Until then, no amount of political reshuffling by existing authorities will come across as anything other than fake revolution and fake reform.

Missiological Implications

In the years ahead, external attitudes toward the Arab world will need to take such matters into account as well. Dignity requires an alternative to financial handouts or stick-and-carrot-style economic incentives conditional on patronizing foreign policy demands. Those who want to see significant social and spiritual change in this part of the world will need to invest their efforts and money in a way that takes all such dynamics into serious account. What is needed from the global body of Christ is a recommitment to a holistic approach to mission. This generation of young Arab men and women will work toward radical educational and economic reform. We need to incentivize an approach to education that is rooted in the fundamental belief in human liberty and values religious diversity. Economic policies need to focus on the development of new technologies and innovation that will wean this region from dependency on disempowering relations with outside patrons. IMES is investing in peacebuilding efforts that help Christians and Muslims build rich and coherent societies in all the beauty of their diversity, where communities and individuals work together on innovative initiatives that contribute to the common good. We constantly seek partnerships that are aligned with our commitments.