Massive outpourings of Tunisians in December 2010 represented at first genuine popular protests against rotten regimes, total power of the ruling elites, corruption, unemployment, social injustice, and the expanding gap between rich and poor segments of the society.

After almost 5 years since the beginning of the so-called “Arab Spring,” which for many turned suddenly into “winter”, what did the wind of change bring? This course will explore some of the challenges the Arab revolutions are facing such as the rise of authoritarianism and religious extremism, massive displacements, the emergence of multiple regional civil wars, mounting regional instability, economic and demographic decline of Arab countries, and ethno-religious sectarian strife.