Social Movements and Democratization

There are two main challenges to social movements functioning as an avenue of democratic participation in the MENA region. The first of these challenges is that many of these movements lack the ability to mobilize large portions of the population. The population may fear repercussions from the state security apparatus, or having never had a real taste of democracy, may view the movement's attempt as futile. However, in a revolutionary movement this may not occur and the population may be sufficiently mobilized, based on the fact that they may perceive that the winds of change have arrived and the regime will have to listen

The second challenge that both revolutionary and non-revolutionary social movements face in the MENA region is the response of the regime. In many cases the regime does not tolerate any form of mobilization as this is perceived as a threat to its power and control over the people. In cases where the social movement is allowed to pursue some sort of democratic avenue, usually only in non-revolutionary movements, the regime still attempts to render the movement impotent. Sham parliaments and elections are examples of this strategy and show the willingness of almost all regimes in the MENA region to not allow for any change that would in any way affect the state's power and control.