Theories of Revolutions and Arab Uprisings: The Lessons from the Middle East

The recent Arab Uprisings will lead to significant rethinking of critical issues in the region as well as important topics in social theory. Social movements, the role of militaries, the politicization of the youth, and social media networks are among these issues. These rethinking efforts will also have implications for the theories of revolutions. The media as well as some of the actors involved were quick to label these uprisings as the last contemporary wave of revolutions. This article explores whether the use of this label is appropriate. Evaluating the analytical tools that the theories of revolutions offer us, the article puts forward three main suggestions that follow the lessons from the Middle East in the aftermath of these uprisings. The distinction between revolutionary situations and outcomes, between types of revolutionary change and between international and domestic determinants is discussed and suggestions are made to contribute to a new research agenda.