After the Arab Spring – Democratic Aspirations and State Failure from Coursera

Learn why the hope and excitement of the Arab Spring is gone, why so many Arab states are falling apart, why the youth are so frustrated, why there are so many refugees, and what can be done about it.

The so-called Arab Spring appeared to end decades of exceptionalism and bring the Arab world back into the mainstream of global developments. The rebellions promised the return of politics and the reassertion of popular sovereignty against their corrupt and geriatric leaders. Much hope and flowery language greeted the young men and women who deposed their leaders and tried to build new, better societies.

Today, the Arab world is in deep crisis. Of the 22 member states of the Arab League, at least five have essentially collapsed: Iraq, Libya, Yemen, Somalia and Syria exist only in name today, as their territories have fallen to competing, murderous armed groups. In the remaining countries, the old autocracies have reasserted themselves. The repression at home is now worsened by regional conflict on an unprecedented scale, and the resulting frustration has led to the biggest refugee flows in recent memory. What went wrong?

This course offers an overview of the structural shortcomings of Arab states and societies, which help us understand why the democratic awakening did not happen but instead “has given way to civil wars, ethnic, sectarian and regional divisions and the reassertion of absolutism.” This raises the obvious and renewed question whether there is something inherent in the Arab, and by analogy Muslim, condition that makes them special. Does this condition make this part of the world impervious to generally observable trends towards greater accountability, popular participation in political decision-making, greater generation and fairer division of economic wealth? Join this course to find out!

What's inside

Syllabus

Instability and Institutional Failure

In this section, you will become acquainted with some of the mistakes that were made in the decades prior to the outbreak of the recent Arab rebellions. These shortcomings have led to stunted and underperforming political systems, much at variance with developments elsewhere.

Governance

At the heart of most of the enduring problems plaguing the Arab world is the availability of essentially free income flowing to the governments of the region. These ‘rents’ have sustained a repressive arrangement in which citizens pay little or no taxes and have no voice.

Institutions

Social action inevitably produces institutions, namely values, stable, repeated patterns of behaviour. In this section, you will learn what institutions are, how they come about, how their relative effectiveness is measures, how and why they decline, and why all that matters.

Economics: Bread, Dignity and Freedom

This section deals with the material bases of popular discontent, especially the connection between the states’ explicit promises of delivering welfare that have become increasingly unsustainable in the face of exploding population growth and falling revenues.

Human Development: Growth and Frustration

Structural changes beyond anyone’s control lead to different ways of living and, thus, value changes. With explosive population growth, social institutions have not kept up and norms are contested, often violently. Arab education and research especially have underperformed.

Outlook: Elusive Stability

Tying together some of the structural shortcomings that have produced the dysfunction that drove the Arab rebellions, this section casts a somewhat gloomy picture about the formidable tasks ahead if these societies want to redress the causes of discontent and return to stability.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops understanding of the underlying drivers behind the Arab Spring and its aftermath

Provides a detailed analysis of the political, economic, and social dynamics shaping the Arab world

Taught by Dr. Ebrahim Afsah, an experienced scholar in Middle Eastern studies

Helps learners understand the complexities of the Arab Spring and its implications for the future of the region

Requires significant background knowledge in Middle Eastern history and politics

Reviews summary

Arab spring: challenges and complexity

According to students, this course explores the causes and consequences of the Arab Spring uprisings. Professor Afsah argues that chronic conditions, such as high youth unemployment and authoritarian rule, led to the unrest. The course draws on multiple disciplines, including political science, philosophy, and sociology, to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Arab world's challenges. Overall, students find the course informative and thought-provoking, despite some concerns about the lecturer's delivery and use of academic language.

Presents multiple viewpoints.

"Excellent course, which looks at depth into the various countries, examining why in most cases the outcomes did not live up to expectations. Professor Asfah is frank and hard-headed, and has an engaging style."

Easy to understand.

"Excellent course! Very clear explanations and very good sources that provides to delve into the subject."

"Thoroughly enjoyed the way this course was structured and the variety of sources and perspectives used."

Thoughtful and interesting.

"Excellent course on the philosophies of the Arab world."

"It's now December 2022, and I've now listened to Week 6 several times. While I had originally started the course out of general interest in the Middle East political situation, and to increase my understanding of world Events, Week 6 in particular has made a huge impact."

"This course goes a long way in helping people in understanding Arab culture."

Knowledgeable and experienced.

"Professor Ebrahim Afsah gives each of the lectures in a unique way. I learned a lot, especially humaneness, sincerity, precision, critical thinking, perfect legal expression."

"Very accurate, interesting and stimulating. thank you."

"Dr. Afsah is my favorite professor on this platform."

Limited opportunities for discussion and engagement.

"My biggest criticism is of the discussion forums. My native language is English, and none of the prompts made sense. There was no question, or even a point of contention. Instead, simply a statement with little context."

"The discussion forums and prompts can be a great way to reinforce your learning, but they were useless here."

Uses complex language and ideas.

"Although the language is difficult, the information deserves the time."

"Very convoluted academic language was used, which also often did not make sense (English is obviously not his first language, but he is nevertheless very educated)."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in After the Arab Spring – Democratic Aspirations and State Failure with these activities:

Gather and organize relevant news articles and videos

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Develop research and critical thinking skills by actively seeking out and organizing relevant news articles and videos that provide up-to-date insights into the Arab Spring.

Browse courses on Arab Spring

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Use search engines, news aggregators, and reputable media outlets to find relevant news articles and videos.
Organize the collected materials into categories or themes related to the course content.
Annotate the materials with brief summaries or personal reflections.

Review basic principles of democracy and governance

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Strengthen your foundational understanding of democratic principles and governance structures to better grasp their relevance to the challenges faced by Arab states.

Browse courses on Democracy

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Read articles or textbooks on the fundamental principles of democracy.
Review different models of governance and their effectiveness.
Analyze case studies of successful and unsuccessful democratic transitions.

Create a timeline of key events in the Arab Spring

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Reinforce your understanding of the sequence of events and their significance in shaping the current political landscape of the Arab world.

Browse courses on Arab Spring

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Research key events that occurred during the Arab Spring.
Organize the events chronologically in a visual timeline.
Include brief descriptions or summaries of each event.

Three other activities

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Organize a discussion group on the impact of the Arab Spring

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Engage in peer learning and foster critical thinking by leading and participating in discussions on the impact of the Arab Spring in the region and globally.

Browse courses on Arab Spring

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Gather a group of peers or classmates who are interested in the topic.
Choose a specific aspect or theme related to the Arab Spring to focus on.
Prepare discussion questions and materials to guide the conversation.
Lead the discussion, facilitate the exchange of ideas, and encourage active participation from all members.

Analyze political cartoons related to the Arab Spring

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Develop critical thinking skills and deepen your understanding of the political dynamics of the Arab Spring by interpreting and analyzing political cartoons.

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Gather a collection of political cartoons related to the Arab Spring.
Examine the visual elements, symbols, and metaphors used in the cartoons.
Interpret the messages and perspectives conveyed by the cartoons.
Discuss the cartoons in a group setting or online forum.

Attend a workshop on the history and development of the Arab Spring

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Gain in-depth knowledge and engage with experts in the field by attending a workshop focused on the history and development of the Arab Spring.

Browse courses on Arab Spring

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Research and identify relevant workshops offered by universities, research institutions, or organizations.
Register for the workshop and prepare any necessary materials or readings.
Actively participate in the workshop, take notes, and ask questions.

Career center

Learners who complete After the Arab Spring – Democratic Aspirations and State Failure will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Middle East Studies Professor

Middle East Studies Professors teach courses on the history, politics, and culture of the Middle East. This course will provide you with extensive knowledge of the Arab world, enabling you to design and deliver engaging and informative lectures to students.

See salaries and explore the career path for Middle East Studies Professor

Human Rights Lawyer

Human Rights Lawyers advocate for the protection of human rights and civil liberties. This course will provide you with a solid grounding in the legal frameworks and international conventions relating to human rights, enabling you to effectively represent victims of human rights violations in the Arab world.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Rights Lawyer

Development Economist

Development Economists specialize in studying economic growth and poverty reduction in developing countries. This course will equip you with a comprehensive understanding of the economic challenges facing the Arab world, enabling you to design and implement effective development policies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Development Economist

Political Scientist

Political Scientists study the various aspects of politics, including the causes of political instability and the effectiveness of different forms of government. This course will help you develop a deep understanding of the challenges facing Arab states and societies, making you a more informed and knowledgeable political scientist.

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United Nations Officer

United Nations Officers work in various roles to promote peace, security, and development around the world. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of the UN's work in the Arab world, equipping you to effectively contribute to its efforts to address the region's challenges.

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International Relations Officer

International Relations Officers work in government, diplomacy, and non-profit organizations to promote cooperation and resolve conflicts between nations. This course will help you develop a comprehensive understanding of the complex political dynamics and security challenges in the Arab world, equipping you to effectively navigate international relations in the region.

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Journalist

Journalists play a vital role in informing the public about important issues, including the complexities of the Arab world. This course will provide you with the knowledge and analytical skills needed to understand the region's ongoing political and economic challenges, enabling you to write insightful and accurate reports.

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Social Worker

Social Workers provide support and assistance to individuals and families facing social and economic challenges. This course will provide you with the skills to work effectively with vulnerable populations in the Arab world, addressing the social and psychological impacts of political instability and conflict.

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Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research and analyze public policy issues to inform decision-making. This course will provide you with the analytical tools to evaluate the effectiveness of policies aimed at addressing the challenges facing Arab states and societies.

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Sociologist

Sociologists examine the social dynamics of different societies, including the impact of political and economic changes on people's lives. This course will provide you with the tools to analyze the social structures and institutions of Arab societies, helping you to gain a deeper understanding of the region's complex social challenges.

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Risk Analyst

Risk Analysts assess and manage risks in various industries, including finance, insurance, and government. This course will equip you with the skills to identify and mitigate risks associated with operating in the complex and volatile Arab world.

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Writer

Writers create and produce written content, including articles, books, and scripts. This course will provide you with the skills to research, analyze, and communicate complex issues about the Arab world, enabling you to write compelling and informative content for a variety of audiences.

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Refugee Resettlement Specialist

Refugee Resettlement Specialists assist refugees in adjusting to life in a new country. This course will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges facing refugees from the Arab world, enabling you to effectively support their resettlement and integration.

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Nonprofit Program Manager

Nonprofit Program Managers oversee the implementation of programs that address social and environmental issues. This course will equip you with the skills to manage complex programs aimed at promoting stability and development in the Arab world.

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Urban Planner

Urban Planners design and manage the development of towns and cities. This course will provide you with the knowledge to plan and implement sustainable and inclusive urban environments in the rapidly growing cities of the Arab world.

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