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Study Up For 'Think': How The Millennial Generation Is Changing The Middle East

Muhammad Ghafari
/
Wikimedia CC
The 2011 Arab Spring uprisings were spearheaded by the region's young millennials.

During the Arab Spring uprisings in 2011, many Americans thought the abrupt change of the political climate in the region would bring lasting improvements. But was this optimism justified? Today at noon on 'Think', we'll be speaking with Juan Cole, author of The New Arabs: How the Millennial Generation is Changing the Middle East.

The Arab Spring uprisings fundamentally changed the course of history, spearheaded by a young generation using the internet and social media as tools for revolution. 

But how do most Americans view the Arab Spring now? According to a recent Pew research poll, 68% of Americans place importance on stable governments in the region. The same poll shows that only 25% of Americans think those governments should be more democratic.

In his book, Cole writes about how the movements in Egypt, Libya and Tunisia were all lead by active Gen-Yers influenced by the global economic crisis, massive unemployment and the Gaza War of 2008. Their reactions sparked shifts of leadership in their countries along with the turmoil that continues today.

Cole is an expert on the Middle East and Richard P. Mitchell Collegiate professor at the University of Michigan. Check out his blog here.

Listen to Think at noon and 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday on KERA 90.1 or stream live.