The connection between social movements and democratization can often times become blurry. However social movements in the MENA region work so well because they motivate people to be a part of the change. They encourage people, in many different way, to be the change they want to see. This region is well known for its authoritarian rule which plays a part in hindering political participation by evoking fear in the citizens. 'We saw this in Egypt, speaking out against the norm can not only lead to being arrested but also death in some situations. However, these attempts to keeping people in line lead to the sudden spark in support of revolution. How ever these acts of violence can and have lead to civil wars like we have seen in Syria.
However in some cases the states response doesn't solely strengthen a movement. It can weaken it in the sense that it can turn groups on each other and put a halt to the real movement. I think it is good to realize that all of this is strategic. No one makes these moves without analyzing the possible outcomes.
I like how you say that social movements can inspire people to be the change they want to see. I totally agree. Though there are many factors that repress and endanger people involved in social change within the MENA region, there is no doubt that the region has been inspired to take action against what they feel are horrible and oppressive regimes. I also like your mention of how most, if not all, responses by both governments and social movements are very strategic. There is tons of strategy that goes into either making or repressing change, especially on a national scale.
ReplyDeleteYou make a really great point in mentioning how the response of the state doesn't always strengthen a movement. While it can, it is important to acknowledge that that is not always the case. I think that's something that is more on a case to case basis, because there are a number of things that it depends on (the character of the state, how unified the people are, etc.). I like how you mention how everything really is strategic.
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