Kuwait: Politics in a Participatory Emirate

Publication Date: July 2007

Publisher: Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

Author(s): Paul Salem

Research Area: Government; Politics

Type: Report

Coverage: Kuwait

Abstract:

Kuwait has made exemplary strides towards democratic reform over the last two years, but deep tensions between the ruling Al Sabah family and the parliament, as well as fractures within the political opposition, could hinder future progress, according to a new paper from the Carnegie Endowment.

In the last two years women were given the right to vote, a law banning public gatherings was overturned, restrictions on new media outlets were curbed, and a key election has brought about important electoral system reform. In Kuwait: Politics in a Participatory Emirate, Paul Salem, director of the Carnegie Middle East Center, examines these recent reform successes in Kuwait and points to key areas for further advancement and hindrances to future reforms.