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Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences
The 2011 Mena Revolutions: A Study In U.S. Energy (In)Security, Jessie Rumsey
The 2011 Mena Revolutions: A Study In U.S. Energy (In)Security, Jessie Rumsey
Journal of Strategic Security
The recent upheavals in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) have brought into stark relief the conflict between democratic values and strategic interests in U.S. foreign policy. Americans are known for commitment to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, yet the U.S. Government is frequently unwilling to step forward and openly express even rhetorical support for reform movements in foreign countries. In fact, initial American reluctance to support the recent "Arab Spring" uprisings serves as another example of what scholars argue is a general exception in the MENA to broader post-Cold War rising costs of maintaining autocracy. This …
The Impact Of The Arab Spring On Islamist Strategies, Ioana E. Matesan
The Impact Of The Arab Spring On Islamist Strategies, Ioana E. Matesan
Journal of Strategic Security
The revolutions in Tunisia and Egypt created a contagion effect that inspired a series of uprisings by sending two signals: first, that even entrenched authoritarian regimes are vulnerable; and second, that nonviolent tactics can be effective in bringing about dramatic political changes. Subsequent developments, especially in Libya and Syria, convoluted these messages. Nonetheless, the political openings and the electoral victory of Islamists in Egypt and Tunisia continue to send the signal to many Islamist opposition groups that nonviolent means and participation in politics can be effective ways to produce political change. The chance of gaining power through electoral means can …