---

In consequence of the terrorist attacks of 9/11, the US administration under George W. Bush began to distance itself from its traditional approach to the Middle East and proclaimed its new foreign policy which soon became known as "a forward strategy of freedom in the Middle East". Instead of continuing to support the status quo in the one region of the world where authoritarian rule is most persistent, the Bush administration now sought to promote the spread of democratic political systems. This book analyses the role the Bush administration played as an actor trying to promote democracy. This includes in particular an examination of the programmes designed to achieve this goal as well as an evaluation as to their success or failure.

---

Hannah Erlwein studied Islamic Studies at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, from where she holds a Master´s degree with Distinction. She also studied Middle East Studies at the University of Exeter, achieving another Master´s degree with Distinction.

---