recent divisions and changes to political systems in the Middle East.(1 point)

Question

Responses

A lack of needed resources, such as food and medical care; social or cultural divisions; trauma from historical or contemporary events; and other factors caused protests.
A lack of needed resources, such as food and medical care; social or cultural divisions; trauma from historical or contemporary events; and other factors caused protests.

The end of apartheid in South Africa, as well as the end of various dictatorships throughout the continent, including in the Sudan, caused a strengthening of political systems.
The end of apartheid in South Africa, as well as the end of various dictatorships throughout the continent, including in the Sudan, caused a strengthening of political systems.

The regime changes of the Arab Spring were caused by division and frustrations with the region’s political systems, which caused protests in the region.
The regime changes of the Arab Spring were caused by division and frustrations with the region’s political systems, which caused protests in the region.

The rulers of various countries have used their power to eliminate term limits, which is a sign of a weak political system.
The rulers of various countries have used their power to eliminate term limits, which is a sign of a weak political system.

Answer 1

The recent divisions and changes in political systems in the Middle East can largely be attributed to various interconnected factors, including social, economic, and historical contexts. The Arab Spring, which began in late 2010, serves as a key example of how frustrations with existing political systems led to widespread protests and regime changes across the region.

1. Social and Economic Grievances: One of the primary catalysts of the Arab Spring was the widespread dissatisfaction among citizens due to lack of necessary resources, like food and medical care, alongside high unemployment rates and government corruption.

2. Cultural Divisions: Many protests were further fueled by existing social and cultural divisions within countries. Ethnic, sectarian, and regional tensions often played a significant role in shaping the political landscape and motivating citizens to demand change.

3. Historical Trauma: Historical grievances, including memories of colonialism, authoritarian rule, and conflicts, significantly affected public sentiments and resistance movements within various countries.

4. Impact of Regime Changes: In the aftermath of the Arab Spring, several countries—like Tunisia—experienced significant political reforms, while others faced ongoing turmoil or authoritarian reversion, showcasing a complex legacy of the movements. Some new leaders and regimes took advantage of political vacuums to consolidate power without genuine reforms.

5. Term Limits and Political Power: In response to uprisings, many rulers in the region attempted to maintain their grip on power by eliminating term limits or altering constitutional frameworks, reflecting attempts to avoid accountability and sustaining weak political systems.

Overall, these factors illustrate the complexities behind the political changes in the Middle East and underscore the ongoing challenges faced by many countries in establishing stable and effective governance.