The convergence of governance: upgrading authoritarianism in the Arab world and downgrading democracy elsewhere?

The article presents a study concerning political change in Arab countries. It mentions that inquiring the validity of the democratization paradigm in the Arab countries implies a significant case, since their countries have not experienced transition to democracy. The study involves a discussion against exceptionalism and democracy-spotting, since Arab countries have applied semi-democracy to their governments. It tries not to tackle the issue of the condition of political life in the democratic and authoritarian systems but contends that there is a trend toward the convergence of governance with the same mechanism of decision-making and policies.