| This dissertation is a study of the process of democratization and its interaction with Islamism in Morocco, a Muslim state since the seventh century with a history of French colonialism. It presents a discussion of the relevant democratization literature and an analysis of the role of the elite, the current status of Islam and Islamist groups and organizations, the factors contributing to their growth, and the respective roles of the United States, the European Union and NGOs as major democracy promoters. It concludes that although Morocco has made a successful transition to the first stage of democracy, it is by no means certain that it will also proceed successfully to "breakthrough" and "consolidation" stages. This study also makes some recommendations on how international democracy promoters, the ruling elite and Islamists may establish some common ground and understanding that may be mutually beneficial and contribute to the further advancement and consolidation of democracy. While the focus of this study is primarily on Morocco, it does offer some comparative insight on Islamism and democracy which may be of relevance to the studies of democratization in other Arab and Islamic countries. |
