The “Rebirth” of a Dead Organization?: Questioning the Role of the Arab League in the “Arab Uprisings” Process

Year 2014, Volume: 19 Issue: 2, 83 - 112, 01.07.2014

Zeynep Şahin Mencütek

Abstract

The League of Arab States, known as the Arab League AL , has historically proven to be largely ineffective in its endeavors at conflict resolution within and between Arab states. The AL has had neither impact nor respect in the region. However, since 2011 it has demonstrated uncharacteristically decisive stances during political uprisings in Libya and Syria, raising hopes for it becoming a more effective regional actor. Some scholars evaluate these attempts as signalling the rebirth and reassertion of the AL, while others consider them as a façade for appeasing the protesters and international society. Many also see the AL as having continued its passive stance. This paper analyzes the involvement of the AL in political upheavals, unrests as well as civil wars that emerged along with the Arab Uprisings and asks whether the AL has played an ‘effective role’ or has ‘functioned well’ in adressing security challenges and in efforts mediating disputes in member states. In other words, whether it has acted purposively and has been able to shape outcomes in the Arab Uprisings process and contributing to conflict resolution. It is argued that the AL can not turn into an effective regional organization because of problems with its overemphasis on sovereignty as an organizing principle, organizational weaknesses and difficulties in decision making, and lack of credibility. In order to be more effective, it needs to enhance human rights protection mechanisms and play a proactive role at least in post-conflict situations.

Keywords

Arab League, ‘Arab Uprisings’, regional organizations, conflict resolution, human rights.

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