Middle Eastern exceptionalism: globalization and the balance of power

Abstract

The debate over “Middle Eastern exceptionalism” has encompassed various contested views regarding the phenomenal failure of Middle Eastern states to democratize. International relations theorists have turned particular attention to the Middle Eastern exceptionalism theory following the end of the Cold War era during which Middle Eastern states showed resiliency to a perceived epoch of great global liberal transformations. This paper examines the Middle Eastern exceptionalism thesis and the shortfalls of liberal international relations views. Contrary to most accepted globalization notions, this paper claims that global economic liberalization has strengthened the position of Middle Eastern states over society. It argues that the combination of global economic liberalization and the regional balance of power has consolidated the grip of regimes on power and undermined pressure for regime change, contributing further to the exceptional nature of Middle Eastern states. This proposition is examined by undertaking two contemporary cases of global and regional developments that are claimed to have undermined transformation momentum, namely, the worldwide market financial crisis of 2008–2009 and the Israeli–Iranian power rivalry.