EVENT CONTENT
Introduction and OrganisationThe event will include a seminar discussing the challenges and possibilities of the decade after the Arab Spring.
• Impacts of the Arab Spring
The speaker states that the Arab Spring ushered in a new era of political and youth activism in the Middle East and North Africa region. This period is characterised by popular demands for more politically open governance.
• Regional Developments and Change
In the aftermath of the Arab Spring, some countries experienced regime change (e.g. Egypt and Tunisia), while others did not (e.g. Bahrain) despite large-scale demonstrations. It also discusses socio-economic challenges in the region and their impact on protest and participation.
• Democratisation and Autocratisation
In some countries, particularly Tunisia, democratisation processes have been observed in the aftermath of the Arab Spring. However, over time, in some cases these processes have been reversed and authoritarian tendencies have strengthened. In this context, the dynamics between democratisation and autocratisation in the region and the effects of these processes are discussed.
• Looking to the Future and the Call
The speaker discusses the changes in the region and their possible future directions, while calling for open dialogue and cooperation with the audience and other scholars.
Outcomes
1. History and Political Change in the Middle East and North Africa: The ability to understand the impact of the Arab Spring on the region and to evaluate the political changes in this process.
2. The Role of Socioeconomic Factors: Understanding the impact of socioeconomic problems in the region on social mobility and political change.
3. Democratisation and Autocratisation Processes: Ability to distinguish between the processes of democratisation and autocratisation in the countries of the region and to understand the causes and consequences of these processes.
4. Civil Society and Political Participation: Evaluating the participation of civil society in political processes and the possible effects of this participation on democratisation.
5. Critical Thinking and Analysis Skills: Analysing the arguments presented in the activity, using critical thinking skills and forming their own opinions and thoughts.
Language: English