Publication

This commentary discusses relevant analogies and differences between the Arab uprisings and the post-communist revolutions of 1989-91 and draws out lessons learned. It argues that the next few years are likely to be challenging and hard to predict, although potentially very fruitful in terms of US relations with the Arab world. Those who wish to see democracy succeed in the region would do well to review carefully the lessons of history, to keep an open mind and a close watch on developments, to remain nimble in the short term and keep a determined focus on long-term strategy.