February 16, 2011

Larry Diamond comments on Egypt's post-Mubarak transition

CDDRL Director Larry Diamond, comments on the Egyptian uprising in a series of opinion pieces authored for the Washington Post, the San Francisco Chronicle, and the New Republic. Diamond provides sound advice and recommendations to the democratic opposition in a post-Mubarak Egypt, drawing on historic examples of transitioning states to ensure they do not fall into a trap that perpetuates the interests of the old order. Diamond cautions against a hasty transition period to allow time for the institutions of democracy to take root through a pluralist approach, and give way to a free and fair election, representative parliament, and united democratic opposition. Examining Egypt's coup d'état through a foreign policy lens, Diamond describes this event as a moment of opportunity for the Obama administration to pursue their agenda of change in the Muslim world, and for Israel to negotiate a sustainable peace with a reliable democratic partner. Lastly, Diamond reminds his readers that state-building is a patient pursuit that cannot be compromised by a rush to the democratic finish line.

• » The New Republic: "Transition traps: How Egypt can avoid the most dangerous pitfalls on the way to becoming a democracy"
• » The San Francisco Chronicle: "Toppling of Egypt's regime will serve U.S., Israel"
• » The Washington Post: "How Egypt can build lasting democracy in a post-Mubarak world"