Think! Evidence

The Impact of the Arab Spring on Islamist Strategies

Show simple item record

dc.creator Ioana E. Matesan
dc.date 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z
dc.identifier 1944-0464
dc.identifier 1944-0472
dc.identifier https://doaj.org/article/777fe10315884c13aefd6a07a80a3051
dc.description The revolutions in Tunisia and Egypt created a contagion effect that inspired a series of uprisings by sending two signals: first, that even entrenched authoritarian regimes are vulnerable; and second, that nonviolent tactics can be effective in bringing about dramatic political changes. Subsequent developments, especially in Libya and Syria, convoluted these messages. Nonetheless, the political openings and the electoral victory of Islamists in Egypt and Tunisia continue to send the signal to many Islamist opposition groups that nonviolent means and participation in politics can be effective ways to produce political change. The chance of gaining power through electoral means can give Islamists strong incentives to join in the demands for democratic institutions and change their stance towards political participation. The appeal of nonviolent tactics, however, is undermined when external threats surpass domestic considerations. When the primary concern of the public is about outside threats and the main enemy is external rather than a domestic despot, the impact of the Arab Spring on views regarding the efficacy of nonviolent tactics is diminished. Similarly, when an Islamic group is primarily concerned with the "far enemy," the incentives for moderation offered by political participation are undermined.
dc.language English
dc.publisher Henley-Putnam University
dc.relation http://scholarcommons.usf.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1165&context=jss
dc.relation https://doaj.org/toc/1944-0464
dc.relation https://doaj.org/toc/1944-0472
dc.source Journal of Strategic Security, Vol 5, Iss 2, Pp 27-46 (2012)
dc.subject Democracy and democatization
dc.subject Middle East
dc.subject Palestine
dc.subject Political violence
dc.subject Military Science
dc.subject U
dc.subject DOAJ:Military Science
dc.subject DOAJ:Technology and Engineering
dc.title The Impact of the Arab Spring on Islamist Strategies
dc.type article


Files in this item

Files Size Format View

There are no files associated with this item.

This item appears in the following Collection(s)

Show simple item record

Search Think! Evidence


Browse

My Account