Abstract

The so-called “Arab Spring” had profound ramifications for regional security in the Middle East. The failure of regime transitions in Syria, Libya and Yemen resulted in devastating civil wars. Others – notably Egypt and Bahrain – sunk into deeper authoritarianism. This chapter examines post-2011 political trajectories in the region, including the important role of the security forces in shaping transitions, as well as the impact of other tools of authoritarian survival. It goes on to explore the dynamics and repercussions of regional disorder, including the aggravating effect of regional rivalries and international intervention, the death of the Israeli–Palestinian peace process, and the interaction of sectarianism and geopolitics.