Democracy for Sale | Democracy Maybe

Al Jazeera English published this video item, entitled “Democracy for Sale | Democracy Maybe” – below is their description.

Corruption and inequalities have led to the failure of democracy in many parts of the world, in particular the Middle East, creating anger and frustration throughout the region.

This film focuses on Beirut, Lebanon – where the corruption of the governing class has destroyed many Lebanese dreams.

Fatima recounts the tragic story of her son’s death, killed while trying to flee Lebanon for Cyprus. We hear from Myra Saade, a lawyer and political activist and daughter of a prominent Lebanese politician who participated in the October Revolution. Through their experiences, we revisit the Arab Spring 10 years later and explore how hope for new democracies has given way to disappointment and even greater authoritarianism.

American academic Sheri Berman explains how this discontent is borne from leaders’ failure to deal with economic challenges that have led to growing inequality, and political scientist Larry Diamond explains how the very basic tenets of democracy have been compromised to serve specific and influential interests.

In this series, we explore how democracy and inequality coexist in almost all global capitalist societies.

Al Jazeera English YouTube Channel

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About This Source - Al Jazeera English

The video item below is a piece of English language content from Al Jazeera. Al Jazeera is a Qatari state-funded broadcaster based in Doha, Qatar, owned by the Al Jazeera Media Network.

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In This Story: Cyprus

Cyprus, officially called the Republic of Cyprus, is an island country in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The Republic of Cyprus is de facto partitioned into two main parts: the area under the effective control of the Republic, located in the south and west and comprising about 59% of the island’s area, and the north, administered by the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, covering about 36% of the island’s area. Another nearly 4% of the island’s area is covered by a UN buffer zone.

The Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia, remain under the UK’s control according to the London and Zürich Agreements.

The Republic of Cyprus has been a member of the Commonwealth since 1961 and joined the European Union on 1 May 2004.

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In This Story: Lebanon

Lebanon, officially known as the Lebanese Republic, is a country in the Levant region of Western Asia, and the transcontinental region of the Middle East.

The official language, Arabic, is the most common language spoken by the citizens of Lebanon. Its capital is Beirut.

Lebanon was a founding member of the United Nations in 1945 and is a member of the Arab League (1945), the Non-Aligned Movement (1961), Organisation of the Islamic Cooperation (1969), and the Organisation internationale de la francophonie (1973).

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