Which of the following factors best explains the lack of democracy in the Middle East ？

Which of the following factors best explains the lack of democracy in the Middle East: history, political institutions, economic factors, or religion? Using examples from at least 3 countries from the MENA region, explain why you believe one or more of these factors can explain why we see so few successful democracies in the region. Be sure to use evidence from course materials (readings, lectures, and podcasts) to support your answer.

Using specific examples from course materials, write an essay responding to the above prompt. You may cite any of the course materials covered this semester in your response. You may not use any outside readings or sources in preparing your essay. Your essay should contain a clear thesis statement (i.e. an argument) and evidence in support of your thesis from the course materials. To cite course readings, use parenthetical citations in the text, referring to the author, date, and page number you are referencing, for example: (Manners, Parmenter, and King, 2020, p. 21). There is no need to include a bibliography.

The essay should be 1500-2000 words. All responses must be typed and double-spaced, using 12-pt Times New Roman font (or similar), and 1-inch margins. Do not insert extra lines between paragraphs. You do not need a title for your essay. Please make sure that you give yourself time to review your essay for grammar and spelling errors, and to edit your essay for precision and clarity.