Epistemic Democracy and Its Challenges in the Middle East: Feasibility Assessment and Obstacles
Subject Areas : Political Sciences- International Relations
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Keywords: Epistemic democracy, Middle East, political challenges, collective wisdom, democratic institutions, political culture.,
Abstract :
Epistemic democracy, as an approach emphasizing the role of knowledge and collective wisdom in political decision-making, has gained attention in recent years. This article examines the feasibility of implementing epistemic democracy in the Middle East and the challenges it faces. The main question of this research is: What is epistemic democracy, and how can it improve the quality of political decision-making? To answer this question, the study analyzes the role of knowledge and collective wisdom in political decision-making processes. From the perspective of epistemic democracy, broader citizen participation and the use of collective knowledge can enhance the quality of decisions and increase the legitimacy of political systems. However, democratic processes and increased participation alone are not sufficient indicators of a successful democratic system; rather, the public's understanding of political order plays a decisive role. Increased democratic participation may act as a misleading measure of democratic success. Using a descriptive-analytical method, this research demonstrates that structural, cultural, and political obstacles in the Middle East, including the lack of strong democratic institutions, ethno-religious diversity, and political crises, pose significant challenges to the implementation of epistemic democracy. Finally, the article proposes strategies to overcome these challenges
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