Abstract
Since “Democracy in America” was written, theories of democracy have experienced a vast array of diversity and changes. The real value in reviewing Tocqueville’s theory, however, is its simplicity and practicality in comparison to other contemporary complex theories. This theory’s popularity in non-western countries, with their unique values and historical heritage, is attributable to these features. This study reviews Tocqueville’s theory of democracy with the aim of demonstrating its relevance to the current state of affairs in the Middle Eastern countries which are in the midst of a tourbillion of new democratic movements. The leaders of these movements are seeking democracy without liberal values as a result of their attempts to dovetail a democratic state with Islamic principles.