Arab Spring Since January 2011,

Arab Spring

Since January 2011, there have been a number of uprisings in the Middle East. This is because many of these governments were repressive and unresponsive to the needs of the people. At the same time, they were known for being corrupt and benefiting a select amount of individuals who were closely associated with these regimes. These factors are important, because they are illustrating the total amounts of frustrations that most people have with these governments. As a result, there has been popular support for a number of uprisings throughout the region to include countries such as: Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Yemen and Syria. This has caused many to wonder if these events are the beginning of larger social revolutions or if they might fall under a definition that falls short of these standards. To determine this, we will examine if the Arab Spring is considered to be a series of proper social revolutions and the factors that could affect this definition in each of these nations. Once this occurs, is when we can be able to decide if these events are a part of a larger transformation that is occurring throughout the region. (Anderson, 2011) (Goldstone, 2011)

In order for any kind of social revolution to exist there are a number of different variables that must be taking place in conjunction with one another. These include: the regimes are using brutality to control the population, there is tremendous amounts of corruption inside these governments, the political leadership is unable to address the needs of population and there is sense of disconnect about the ability of these government to deal with the most pressing issues. Once this occurs, is when there will be a sense of anger that is directed at these regimes and the institutions they are using to support these objectives. This is the point that people from different ethnic groups and all walks of life will become united in a common cause. That is directed at: overthrowing these governments and installing ones that are more responsive to the needs of the general public. These elements are important, because in all of these different countries they are considered to fall under the classic definition of social revolutions. As the people are no longer willing to tolerate the actions of government officials and they are speaking out against them through: violence along with civil disobedience. (Anderson, 2011) (Goldstone, 2011)

When you apply this to the various countries that were experiencing these revolutions, it is clear that each one of them fits the basic definition for a social revolution. This is because they all were experiencing similar challenges in dealing with these issues. The difference is the outcome from these events and the effects that they will have on these nations. As some of the outcomes are similar (i.e. Egypt / Tunisia) while others are more protracted and drawn out (i.e. Libya / Syria / Yemen). This is important, because it is showing how in every single one of these nations there is a classic social revolution that is occurring. The differences were in the response from government officials and what tactics were used by protestors to place increasing amounts of pressure on these regimes. (Anderson, 2011) (Goldstone, 2011)

Depending upon the definition of a real revolution, there are certain characteristics that might not qualify some countries under this kind of status. For example, in Tunisia and Egypt there were continuing demonstrations along with general strikes that shut down both countries. This forced these regimes to give up power, in an effort to meet the demands of the general public. In this aspect, the underlying amounts of violence were less severe (which is making these revolutions appear as if they do not fully qualify). (Anderson, 2011) (Goldstone, 2011)

While at other times, there have been tremendous amounts of blood shed among the demonstrators and military units. That is supposed to be stopping these protests against the government. In many cases, (i.e. Libya, Yemen and Syria) there has been some forms of capitulation among officers and soldiers who are in charge of the crackdown with many supporting the opposition. Once this takes place, it means that the demonstrators have the tools they need to fight back against these units (which is causing the overall amounts of violence to increase exponentially). This is the point that there will be ragging battles between the protestors and the government forces. As a result, these kinds of events would qualify as a revolution in these countries. (Anderson, 2011) (Goldstone, 2011)