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Learner Reviews & Feedback for After the Arab Spring – Democratic Aspirations and State Failure by University of Copenhagen

4.7
stars
538 ratings

About the Course

Learn why the hope and excitement of the Arab Spring is gone, why so many Arab states are falling apart, why the youth are so frustrated, why there are so many refugees, and what can be done about it. The so-called Arab Spring appeared to end decades of exceptionalism and bring the Arab world back into the mainstream of global developments. The rebellions promised the return of politics and the reassertion of popular sovereignty against their corrupt and geriatric leaders. Much hope and flowery language greeted the young men and women who deposed their leaders and tried to build new, better societies. Today, the Arab world is in deep crisis. Of the 22 member states of the Arab League, at least five have essentially collapsed: Iraq, Libya, Yemen, Somalia and Syria exist only in name today, as their territories have fallen to competing, murderous armed groups. In the remaining countries, the old autocracies have reasserted themselves. The repression at home is now worsened by regional conflict on an unprecedented scale, and the resulting frustration has led to the biggest refugee flows in recent memory. What went wrong? This course offers an overview of the structural shortcomings of Arab states and societies, which help us understand why the democratic awakening did not happen but instead “has given way to civil wars, ethnic, sectarian and regional divisions and the reassertion of absolutism.” This raises the obvious and renewed question whether there is something inherent in the Arab, and by analogy Muslim, condition that makes them special. Does this condition make this part of the world impervious to generally observable trends towards greater accountability, popular participation in political decision-making, greater generation and fairer division of economic wealth? Join this course to find out!...

Top reviews

BE

Sep 3, 2017

That is the second class I am taking with Professor Afsah and would love to take more. The class is interesting, engaging and relevant. Highly recommended!

RW

Jun 28, 2020

Very interesting and thought provoking perspective on the region, its economies, governments / ruling institutions and societies.

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101 - 125 of 156 Reviews for After the Arab Spring – Democratic Aspirations and State Failure

By Alexandra-Elena A

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Jun 22, 2020

Excellent; as a minus I'd say the long, complex and information-rich sentences

By Ingmar S

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Nov 11, 2018

pacing of this course was manageable with the tests coming after each video.

By Nikki J

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Jan 20, 2024

I love this professor. He is very knowledgeable and he is very interesting

By Ozge T

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Dec 26, 2020

I am glad to have this wonderful course. instructor is great. Thanks a lot

By Richard M

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Aug 7, 2017

Another excellent and insightful course, very well delivered by Dr Afsah.

By Jan S

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Nov 27, 2017

Gives a great insight into the problems of the failing muslim states

By Aline A A G

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Aug 7, 2020

Nice course and great information. I really liked this course

By Bernadette L

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Jan 27, 2018

Outstanding lesson with profound knowledge of the lecturer.

By jia q c f k (

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Nov 17, 2022

Challenged my views and learnt alot about certain things.

By María N T

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Aug 30, 2021

Very accurate, interesting and stimulating. thank you.

By Najmussaman P

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Sep 1, 2020

REALLY VERY GOOD AND HARD EXPERIENCE. BUT ENJOYED.

By Muhammad M

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Nov 16, 2025

Incredibly well structured and informative course

By Bryan A

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Sep 10, 2021

Amazing, and a Wonderful teacher, thanks for all

By Ahmad Q

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Sep 16, 2024

كورس رائع و غني بالمعلومات و التحليلات المنطقية

By Mohamed A

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Apr 16, 2020

really insightful and progress and honest.

By Amr A W

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Oct 11, 2017

Excellent course. Greetings from Egypt. ;)

By CHRISTINE M

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Sep 28, 2017

Very interested this course. Thank you.

By Maria A V

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Jan 2, 2018

Excellent course, excellent professor.

By Ruben B P

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Aug 31, 2017

Extremely good class from Dr. Afsah!

By Ahmer J K

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Nov 18, 2017

Excellent, though provoking course!

By Saad A W B

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Oct 29, 2019

Many thanks...Very fruitful course

By Virgil H

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May 3, 2020

Incredibly interesting lectures.

By JOHN Q

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Sep 20, 2017

fun and interesting course.

By Andrea E

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Jun 19, 2020

Excellent and brilliant!

By Yasser B

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Sep 15, 2023

Democracy is important.