Arab Spring Movements under the Social Sciences Microscope: Hypotheses and Conclusions

Abstract

This paper highlights the underpinnings of four basic theoretical hypotheses and frameworks that have drawn interest from Arab Spring studies during both the first wave (2011) and the second wave (2018/2019). The paper focuses on the revolutionary hypothesis, the populist hypothesis, the transitional/ democratization hypothesis, and finally the social movements hypothesis, with a view to synthesizing general conclusions in light of the intersections that emerge between different approaches. The effort is primarily limited to highlighting the most important concepts and theoretical and analytical frameworks invested in addressing the Arab revolutions, while at the same time restoring the atmosphere of theoretical discussions that have accompanied the debate on the Arab Spring, and the impact of the most significant contributions to social science development in Arab countries.