اتحاديه عرب: واكاوي يك ناكامي بررسي موانع دروني و ساختاري همگرايي عربي

The Arab League: Survey of a Poor Performance A Study of Internal and Structural Obstacles to Integration

The present article, tries to examine and identify the elements of inefficiency of the Arab League from a theoretical and structural view point in achieving integration and political unity. In this direction the article first pays attention to integration theories in international relations to have a deep understanding of the integration process in the Arab League and then studies the disintegration factors and inefficiency of this regional organization. What are the important disintegrating factors in the Arab League? The present article believes that internal (structural) elements have been the determining factor for disintegration among member countries. On the basis of this assumption different variables which influence and impede the integration process have been analyzed. The most important factors which can be mentioned are the lack of democratic experience, patrimonial (patriarchal) political system, different perceptions about the concept of nationalism, dependent political regimes, lack of support for most political rulers, the reliance of these rulers on colonial powers, lack of belief in real religious values and other factors. But it should be emphasized that among the above said factors two factors namely lack of democratic experience and patrimonial political system are having the most important impact upon their failure to reach unity and integrity.The factors which were enumerated above are the internal challenges of integration and political unity among the union members. Therefore, paying attention to the process of integration on the basis of commonalities can decrease tension, differences and obstacles on the path of unity in the Arab League. The aim of the present article is pointing out the common grounds for integration and suggesting ways to strengthen their bond of friendship.