North African Social Movements

I have yet to be disappointed by a Dinner and Dialogue and last night was no exception. With all of the revolutions occurring in North Africa in the past 5 months, it was the perfect time to discuss what exactly compromises a social movement? Professor Barchiesi did a wonderful job of explaining how the recent demonstrations by dissatisfied citizens of North African dictatorships had broken some of the stereotypes associated with that region. These protests have been fairly peaceful and have been driven not by radical Islam, but by an honest desire by the people to establish a democracy. He went further to explain how these protests are a part of Africa's history, and why these movements toward democracy have a better chance of surviving than their ancestors in other parts of Africa, most of which are currently in a state of disrepair. Also, once the dictators have been ousted, how long will the close-knit group of revolutionaries stay bonded? It seems their only connection is in their anger with their current (or in some cases former) tyrannical regimes. I can't wait to see how the political hotbed of North Africa plays out in the coming months and years.