https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/46403 Thu, 04 Jun 2026 06:10:53 GMT 2026-06-04T06:10:53Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/46451 Title: African civil society and democratisation Abstract: Explanations of successful democratic transitions and subsequent entrenchment of democratic institutions often emphasis the role played in these processes by extensive and densely woven civil society organisms. The associational life assembled in civil society as well as in well organised political parties are both viewed as very important in helping to establish and build democratic political systems. In this presentation we will consider African civil society’s contribution to democratic development. We will do this by investigating the politically relevant activities of civil society in six of Africa’s stronger democracies, in the six countries in which two alternations in office of parties and or presidents have occurred through elections. Double electoral turnovers are often cited as evidence of democratic accomplishment. We will survey each of the countries in turn. A preliminary consideration of the development of their party politics will provide useful background for an exploration of the extent to which civil society in each setting has enhanced democratic politics. Wed, 01 Jan 2014 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/46451 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/46450 Title: Report on the regional conference on the OSCE code of conduct on politico-military aspects of security for the Mediterranean region Authors: Lutterbeck, Derek; Wohlfeld, Monika; Sammut, Daniel Abstract: From 11-13 September 2013, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Conflict Prevention Centre, in partnership with the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies in Malta (MEDAC), organized a conference on the OSCE Code of Conduct on Politico-Military Aspects of Security (CoC). The conference was hosted by the Government of Malta and cosponsored by the OSCE participating States Austria, Germany and Switzerland. The conference was the sixth regional seminar on the Code of Conduct mandated by the OSCE’s Forum for Security Co-operation, with previous seminars being held in Kazakhstan (2008), Bosnia and Herzegovina (2009), Belarus (2010), Ukraine (2011) and Latvia (2012). The Malta Conference was the first ever conference on the Code of Conduct destined specifically for the Mediterranean region and involving regional OSCE participating States as well as the majority of the OSCE’s Mediterranean Partners for Cooperation: Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco and Tunisia. An important step in facilitating regional discussions on the CoC in the Mediterranean area has been the translation of the Code of Conduct into Arabic in 2013, upon the request of the Secretary General of the League of the Arab States, which was realized and co-sponsored by Germany and Switzerland. Description: This document contains Table of Contents, Annexes, Conference Agenda, including the Statement by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Malta Hon. George Vella, a list of participants, and photo insets. Wed, 01 Jan 2014 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/46450 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/46449 Title: The role of civil society in democratic transition : the case of Jordan Abstract: Transitions in Arab States have triggered a debate among scholars as to whether the outcome of the 2011 uprisings is yielding the hopes and aspirations of people who took off to the streets demanding freedom and justice. In post-uprising states, like Egypt, Tunisia and Libya, transition essentially means state building – a complete overhaul of all state institutions and decision-making processes. In Jordan and Morocco, both quasi-democratic monarchies, the response to popular demands has been led by the Monarchs through gradual top-down reforms. In both scenarios alike, I argue that the role of an independent and robust civil society is integral in the process of consolidating a democracy. While it is evident that civil society is fundamental in state building, I emphasize that even in top-down democratic transition civil society is the backbone of a successful consolidated democracy. In specific, I take the case of Jordan to demonstrate that King Abdullah’s reform vision, expressed in his recently published discussion papers, can only materialize if a broad ownership of the proposed political and economic reforms is established with an active civil society. Wed, 01 Jan 2014 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/46449 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/46447 Title: After the “Arab spring” : perspectives for democracy? Abstract: The so called « Arab Spring » that started in Tunisia in January 2011 has been taking the form of a huge wave, with a spillover effect in the whole Arab world. True, the very different experiences of Arab countries have underlined how variegated the process has been and how uncertain the precise outcome will be in each case. It is too early to say whether the changes in all the Arab region will lead to the creation of democratic states, let alone what the regional and global impact of these events will be. At least, it will be a long and complex process. This paper attempts to analyze the current situation, summarizing how far we have come, what is at stake and what are the challenges faced by the civil actors who initiated the uprisings: it is assumed that democracy in the Middle East is dependent on a strong civil society as a precondition. Finally, as a result of the important changes at work, the Swiss engagement in the region will be briefly discussed. Wed, 01 Jan 2014 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/46447 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z