Political Tyranny and Ethics: Insights From the Contributions of Al-Kawakibi and Taha Abdurahman

Abstract

Many Western scholars, especially Orientalists, have equated the notion of tyranny with the East,1 perpetuating a solid asso ciation between tyranny, despotism, and authoritarianism with certain regions of the world.2 The term ‘Oriental despotism’ is frequently repeated, often with the assumption that there is a natural relationship between the Orient, Islam, and the oppressive governance.3 Similarly, democracy and its associated values are mainly attributed to the West and its countries,4 with de mocracy and tyranny being highlighted as the most pronounced distinctions between the Western and the non-Western realms.5 The discussion of tyranny and democracy is relevant to societal ethics, as tyranny is seen as a symbol of evil and immorality, while democracy is generally perceived as the embodiment of righteousness and virtue.