This book explains Arab military responses to the social uprisings which began in 2011. Through a comparative case study analysis of Egyptian, Tunisian, Libyan, and Syrian militaries, it explains why militaries fractured, supported the regime in power, or removed their presidents.

'A compelling book, this is one of the most comprehensive explorations of the Arab Spring to date with a theoretical underpinning that will interest both general audiences and political scientists.' - Ruth Margolies Beitler, author of The Path to Mass Rebellion: An Analysis of Two Intifadas and co-author of Women's Roles in the Middle East and North Africa

'Beautifully written and highly accessible, this book makes an original contribution to existing literature on the Arab uprisings, offering a sober analysis of different militaries' responses through interest and restraint. This useful guide to the Arab Spring will benefit policy makers, scholars, students, and general readers.' - Nelly Lahoud, United States Military Academy

Autorentext

William C. Taylor is a professional in the US intelligence community and a former Assistant Professor of American foreign policy at the United States Military Academy at West Point. As a former military advisor to an Iraqi infantry battalion, he has first-hand knowledge of Arab military thinking.

Inhalt

1. Introduction 2. The Past and Future of Arab Civil-Military Relations 3. Modeling Military Decision Making in Periods of Social Unrest 4. The Tunisian Military's 'Ambitious Support' of the Arab Awakening 5. The Syrian Military's 'Fervent Support' of Bashar al-Assad 6. The Egyptian Military's 'Reluctant Support' of the Arab Awakening 7. The Libyan Military's 'Fractured Support' of Muammar Gaddafi 8. U.S. Influence on Arab Decision Making in Times of Social Unrest 9. Arbiters of Social Unrestthe Future of Arab Civil-Military Relations