The impact of US aid policy on democracy and political reform in the Arab World

While the United States has long advocated the spread of democratic governance all over the World, democracy promotion in the Arab World did not emerge as a central pillar of American foreign policy until the end of the twentieth century. As for US aid to the Arab World, billions of Dollars were given to some Arab countries during the last few decades to encourage economic development and political reform. It was hoped that this aid would help transform the area into democracy and economic prosperity. This paper explores the impact of the U.S. aid policy on democracy and political reform in Jordan and other Arab countries. It advances three arguments: First that the impact of US aid has not yet made any significant difference in the nature of Arab political affairs. Second, that the Arab World underwent some modest structural changes that may lead to significant socio-political developments in the long run. Finally, although US aid has had some positive impact on democracy and political reform, the socio-political reality of the region is still dominated by dictatorships, anti-Americanism, poverty, unemployment, and corruption. Good governance and protection for human rights and democracy are still distant goals