Portland Public Library

Democratic uprisings in the new Middle East, youth, technology, human rights, and US foreign policy, Mahmood Monshipouri

eng

Includes bibliographical references (pages 211-216) and index

illustrations

index present

non fiction

Democratic uprisings in the new Middle East

bibliography

793581505

Mahmood Monshipouri

International studies intensives

youth, technology, human rights, and US foreign policy

As Egypt retreats from its newly elected government and Syria moves from one crisis to another, this book s reflection on the Arab Spring could not be more timely. Monshipouri s account of the role of emotion, solidarity, and online activism is informed by several trips to the region that continue to this day. The uprisings were fueled by a demographic surge of young people unable to find employment and frustrated by the lack of freedom, and now the elected regime has been ousted for failing to address these continuing circumstances. While modern technologies and social media may have brought new politics to the streets, organization on the ground trumps the enthusiasm of young protesters when it comes to shaping a country s political future. How to turn elections into democracy in these post-conflict societies continues to be a daunting task, especially in countries with a longstanding history of military involvement in politics now experiencing a resurgence

1. Modern Technologies: Possibilities and Constraints -- 2. The Digital Age, Demographics, and an Ethos of Protest -- 3. Youthful Momentum, Social Media, Human Rights, and Political Economy 00 4. Emerging Identities: Emotions, Protests, and New Media -- 5. US-Iran Relations: From the Green Movement to the Arab Spring -- 6. The Arab Spring: Regional Implications and Beyond