The Arab Spring

3.00 credits · Undergraduate

Prereq: 3 credits from POLS or INLR at the 3000 level; or permission of the Department This course explores the impact of the Arab Spring on the practice of authoritarian politics in the Middle East. It examines theoretical debates about the role of political culture, political economy, state-building and political liberalization. Case studies examine strategies used to manage, co-opt and/or coerce political opposition and civil society, as well as why some regimes eventually allowed transitions to take place, while others relied on repression even if it meant civil war. Finally, the impact of regional conflicts and rivalries is considered along with the influence of the United States. [Note 1: This course is cross-listed with POLS 4221 and may therefore count as three credits in either discipline.] (Format: Seminar 3 Hours) (Exclusion: POLS 4991 Arab Spring)