Publication

This report analyzes the linkages between the Arab Spring and African democracy, with an eye on the implications for governance norms on the continent over the next several years. Military coups in Mali and Guinea-Bissau have overshadowed a deepening institutionalization of democratic processes in Africa over the past decade. These advances have been augmented by a growing commitment by Africa's regional bodies to uphold emerging democratic standards. The Arab Spring, likewise, sparked a broader debate about the legitimate claims on authority across the continent. These crosscurrents reflect a struggle for governance norms in Africa that will require engagement from African reformers and international partners to sustain Africa's democratic trajectory.