Arab Spring-Arab Fall

Ayfer Erdogan is lecturer of modern languages at Yildiz Technical University.

Chapter I: On Democracy and Democratic Transitions Chapter II: Democratization in the Arab Middle East Context Chapter III: Tunisian Revolution Chapter IV: Egypt's Failed Revolution Chapter V: Democratic Divergence between Egypt and Tunisia in the Post-Arab Spring Context

Based on the author's doctoral dissertation, this volume contextualizes a comparative political analysis of what has been popularly referred to as the Arab Spring. The central theme is the initiation of regime change from authoritarianism to some form of democracy, focusing on Tunisia in 2011, where this process has been somewhat successful, as compared to Egypt, the most powerful nation in the Arab world, where the process has largely failed. Erdogan provides a comprehensive literature review on democratic political theory in general, followed by a literature review on the occurrence of the phenomenon in the Arab Middle East. He notes that the differing role of civil society in both countries led to different outcomes in their respective transitions. Erdogan points out that the transition process requires political elites to reach consensus on the goals for the transition to democracy, setting aside partisan interests. In the case studies selected, the rise of Islamic groups was hindered by effective political leadership in Tunisia, which Egypt lacked. Ultimately, there is no clear path for a transition from an authoritarian regime to some sort of democratic structure. Recommended. Advanced undergraduates through faculty; professionals. * Choice Reviews *