Comparative Politics of the Middle East POLI340 Take-Home FINAL EXAM
McGill University
April 2023
Prof. Douek
Answer any 4 of the following 6 essay questions (worth 25% each).
1) Where in the Middle East has attempts to set up a theocracy succeeded, and what are the
components of that country’s governing ideology?
2) Prior to the Arab Spring, several Middle Eastern states underwent failed democratic
transitions – what did these attempted transitions look like, and what caused them to
fail? What was their aftermath?
3) What factors caused the Arab Spring, where was it most successful in bringing
democratization, and what factors led to the erosion of those initial successes? What are
the prospects for its renewal?
4) What are the defining elements of jihadist ideology and what explains its emergence in
the contemporary Middle East?
5) Several Middle Eastern regimes that were rocked by anti-government protests during the
years 2009-2011 subsequently saw the security forces reinforce their grip on power;
discuss two cases where this occurred and explain how.
6) What purpose does the cult of personality serve in Middle East politics, how does it
operate, and who is involved in building it?
Instructions – Please Read Carefully:
- Use as much relevant detail as possible, and wherever possible, use the names and arguments
of authors we’ve read. For each answer, identify the most relevant case(s) we’ve studied and
use them to illustrate your answer. Avoid overlap in your answers.
- Answer each question in 800-850 words (double-spaced). Essays exceeding 850 words will
be penalized 3%. This word limit exists to protect your TA, who will be grading your exam.
-Please note that students writing in French are entitled to a 15% increase in the word-count.
McGill University
April 2023
Prof. Douek
Answer any 4 of the following 6 essay questions (worth 25% each).
1) Where in the Middle East has attempts to set up a theocracy succeeded, and what are the
components of that country’s governing ideology?
2) Prior to the Arab Spring, several Middle Eastern states underwent failed democratic
transitions – what did these attempted transitions look like, and what caused them to
fail? What was their aftermath?
3) What factors caused the Arab Spring, where was it most successful in bringing
democratization, and what factors led to the erosion of those initial successes? What are
the prospects for its renewal?
4) What are the defining elements of jihadist ideology and what explains its emergence in
the contemporary Middle East?
5) Several Middle Eastern regimes that were rocked by anti-government protests during the
years 2009-2011 subsequently saw the security forces reinforce their grip on power;
discuss two cases where this occurred and explain how.
6) What purpose does the cult of personality serve in Middle East politics, how does it
operate, and who is involved in building it?
Instructions – Please Read Carefully:
- Use as much relevant detail as possible, and wherever possible, use the names and arguments
of authors we’ve read. For each answer, identify the most relevant case(s) we’ve studied and
use them to illustrate your answer. Avoid overlap in your answers.
- Answer each question in 800-850 words (double-spaced). Essays exceeding 850 words will
be penalized 3%. This word limit exists to protect your TA, who will be grading your exam.
-Please note that students writing in French are entitled to a 15% increase in the word-count.
