Foreword by Naseer Aruru, Introduction: Political Development and the Transition to Democracy, The Palestinian National Movement: A Historical Overview, The Palestinians Awaken to a Crushing Defeat, From Dispersion to Taking the Initiative , The PLO: From Maximalism to Compromise, The Oslo Accords and the Establishment of the Palestinian National Authority, Democracy and Centralism in the Palestinian National Movement, 1967--1993, Arafat's Control of PLO Institutions, 1968--1993, Pluralism, Civil Society, and the Construction of Institutions among the Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, 1967--1993, The Formal Structure of Powers in the Palestinian National Authority, The Legislative Council, The Executive Authority, The Judicial Authority, The First Palestinian General Elections, The Legitimacy of the Elections, The Election System, The Election Campaign, The Election Results, The Centralisation of Power and Political Conduct in the PNA, Centralisation of Power Surveillance (Intimidation), Buying Quiet (Bribery), Conclusion: Contradictions within Palestinian Democracy, Palestinian Partial Democracy' Before the Establishment of the PNA, Partial Democracy' in the PNA, Conclusions for the Future.