External publications

European aid and democracy support to MENA countries after the Arab uprisings: a critical juncture missed

Bodenstein, Thilo / Mark Furness
External Publications (2026)

in: Mediterranean Politics, first published 18.01.2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13629395.2026.2626300
Open access

We take a look at the policy frameworks and aid spending practices of four European aid donors (Germany, France, the EU Institutions and the UK) in the years following the 2010-11 Arab Uprisings. We identify some lessons that might help development aid donors do better next time democracy needs supporting in the MENA region and potentially elsewhere, which we believe it will despite the current trend towards oligarchy and authoritarianism. These include: coordinate policy and operations better, support democratic actors and processes directly, practice what you preach, and most importantly have the courage to stand up for your principles when challenged to do so - as you inevitably will be.

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