A readable and useful addition to the literature on a momentous period that addresses a fascinating question: How did some Arab regimes successfully ride the wave of change that hit the Middle East in early 2011 while others fell? The seeming greater durability of Arab monarchies compared to republican regimes is perhaps the most interesting phenomenon noted by Alianak, and the one she examines most closely. -- Jonathan Spyer * Middle East Quarterly, Summer 2015 * This volume goes far beyond journalistic accounts of the Arab Spring. It not only provides a necessary comparative perspective but discusses events within the much-needed context of broad theoretical views, including those models developed by the author. * Professor James Lutz, Indiana University-Purdue University at Fort Wayne * This study examines why some of the 2011 Arab uprisings ended in revolution while others ended in reform. Alianak compares Tunisia, Jordan, Egypt, and Morocco, all of which initially elected Islamist parities, and their attempts at transitioning to democracy. The study finds that in countries with secular leaders, such as those in Egypt and Tunisia, the people resorted to revolution, while in Morocco and Jordan, where religion was used as a palliative to ensure stability, the kings were able to opt simply for reform Ultimately, the study finds that the Arab Spring has not been realized and that, as of summer 2013, all four countries have returned to a state in which they prioritize stability in order to ensure economic prosperity.- The Middle East Journal * The Middle East Journal, Volume 69, No 1 *
