Columbia International Affairs Online: Policy Briefs

CIAO DATE: 03/2011

The Arab Revolt: Roots and Perspectives

Vicken Cheterian

February 2011

The Geneva Centre for Security Policy

Abstract

The wave of Arab revolt, which started in Tunisia and then Egypt and Libya, is spreading at an unprecedented speed. This is the result of not only modern internet-based technologies of communication, but also the deep socio-economic crisis of the region coupled with autocratic regimes that are not qualified to address the needs of the new generation.