Jan Völkel - openDemocracy

Why are so many people dying in the Mediterranean?

Why are so many people dying in the Mediterranean and what can we do about it?

By Jan Völkel

/ 27 Jan 2016

Why are so many people dying in the Mediterranean?

Why are so many people dying in the Mediterranean and what can we do about it?

By Jan Völkel

/ 27 Jan 2016

Why almost nobody participated in the Egyptian parliamentary elections

Awaited for more than two years, the first round of parliamentary elections in Egypt has bluntly confirmed the widespread disillusion of many voters about the country's political system.

By Jan Völkel

/ 23 Oct 2015

If democracy in Egypt cannot be stimulated directly, it can be promoted by example

It seems that the accusations of hypocrisy towards western actors, often heard in the Arab world, are not completely wrong.

By Jan Völkel

/ 23 Jun 2015

Feeble captain in troubled waters: Algeria’s foreign relations after Bouteflika’s re-election

The current triple crisis also constitutes a chance for Algeria. More than ever it becomes clear that the country is indispensable for a solution of the security problems in the region.

By Jan Völkel

/ 4 Jul 2014

The surprising success of the Tunisian parliament

Surrounded by the pressure of Islamists and civil activists, Tunisia’s deputies have managed to achieve something unique in the Arab world: making the parliament the centrepiece of political discourse and power. The failure of Egypt – as perverse as it might sound – was another factor that strongl

By Jan Völkel and Riham Bahi

/ 30 Jan 2014

The surprising success of the Tunisian parliament

Surrounded by the pressure of Islamists and civil activists, Tunisia’s deputies have managed to achieve something unique in the Arab world: making the parliament the centrepiece of political discourse and power. The failure of Egypt – as perverse as it might sound – was another factor that strongl

By Jan Völkel and Riham Bahi

/ 30 Jan 2014

Who wants democracy in Egypt? Many!

Barbara Zollner asks: Who wants democracy in Egypt?, as there are increasingly obvious signs that democracy is in retreat in the country. However, the answer is still simple: many. The question is more what type of democracy the Egyptians want – and here many things remain to be discussed.

By Jan Völkel

/ 12 Sep 2013

Red card for Morsi, yellow card for democracy

The red card for Morsi is at the same time a serious yellow card for democracy in Egypt. It will bring future prospects for democracy into deep trouble.

By Jan Völkel

/ 3 Jul 2013

Underrated legislations: Arab parliaments could play a crucial transformational role

Arab parliaments have traditionally played a largely ceremonial and self-serving role in politics. But now, they must take a leading role in the renewal of democracy in the Middle East.

By Jan Völkel

/ 29 Apr 2013