Columbia International Affairs Online: Policy Briefs

CIAO DATE: 06/2011

Transition in Arab States: Time for an "EU-Master Plan"

Walter Feichtinger

April 2011

The Geneva Centre for Security Policy

Abstract

Since the end of January 2011 Arab countries have been confronted with the biggest upheaval since their establishment. Besides all political aspirations towards democracy, political participation, rule of law or civil rights one should not forget root causes that have led to these revolutions. Population growth, a disproportionally high number of young people, unemployment, less developed industry and agriculture, as well as migration pressure from sub-Saharan countries, are remaining and unresolved challenges.