Award Date

December 2015

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Political Science

First Committee Member

Mehran Tamadonfar

Second Committee Member

John Tuman

Third Committee Member

Dennis Pirages

Fourth Committee Member

John Curry

Number of Pages

139

Abstract

Much of the existing theories of mobilization appear to focus on either micro or macro level elements that lead to mobilization, very few seem to focus on fusing the two; specifically psychological dynamics with macro structural components. This dissertation seeks to synthesize the two together to explain how psychology, specifically the perception of deprivation exacerbated by heightened social interaction through technology has introduced a new element to politics in the Middle East and North, which has furthered awareness of the exploitative nature of neoliberalism and the impact that the system has on the greater Arab populace. This dissertation explains how heightened social interaction has enabled Arab public to understand and mobilize more easily against oppression and inequality (whether real or perceived) in an effort to bring about change that cannot take place through institutional means. I argue that heightened social interaction through technology serves as a catalyst for seeking change in authoritarian systems that are facilitated by the structure of the global system.

Keywords

arab spring; MENA; mobilization; relative deprivation; revolutions; world systems theory

Disciplines

International Relations | Political Science

File Format

pdf

Degree Grantor

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Language

English

Rights

IN COPYRIGHT. For more information about this rights statement, please visit http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Download


Share

COinS