Arab Spring
Social movementAbout
The Arab Spring was a wave of pro-democracy protests and uprisings that swept across the Middle East and North Africa beginning in late 2010 and early 2011. Triggered by the self-immolation of Tunisian street vendor Mohamed Bouazizi, these protests challenged entrenched authoritarian regimes, demanding greater political rights, economic equality, and government accountability. The movement led to regime changes in Tunisia and Egypt, with varying outcomes in other countries like Libya, Yemen, and Syria. The Arab Spring highlighted the role of social media and civil society in mobilizing protests. Despite initial successes, many countries faced subsequent turmoil, with some descending into civil war. Tunisia remains the only full democracy to emerge from the Arab Spring. The movement's impact was significant, exposing deep-seated socio-economic grievances and the resilience of authoritarian structures in the region.
