Pluralism and Youth Activism in Asia: Policy Implications and the Third Sector Challenges

Abstract

This short presentation is a preliminary analysis of the factors, incidences, and possible spread and outcomes of the ‘Arab Spring’ that has just unfolded. It is based on recent relevant literature, media reports, and different political analyses. In particular, it is benefitted from two major works that I am completing (as the principal researcher and editor) on all 47 Muslim majority countries in Africa and Asia: The Muslim World in the 21st century: Space, Power, and Human Development, Springer, forthcoming; and Philanthropy and Human Security in Muslim Majority Countries, Springer, forthcoming. The presentation, in seven sections, suggests that owing to the fundamental (economic, political, and social) differences the countries in North Africa and West Asia are highly unlikely to witness similar exposure to or outcomes of the youth e-activism (‘social media’ facilitated youth-led spontaneous grass-roots online and street organizing for socio-political change). Tunisia (for an enlightened liberal leadership and no-tribal politics) is likely to have some positive outcomes, Egypt (due to an aspiring army) may falter and support status-quo, Libya and Yemen (for possible tribal conflicts) are likely to face unwanted failed consequences. The youth e-activism may not take-off or have different outcomes in the West Asian countries, primarily because of low organizational density as well as for the social structure, political system, and (re)distributive mechanism. There are also issues of international political economy, and self-preserving tribe-based ‘spoils’ system (blessed by petroleum politics), and a lack of membership organizations. Due to the above factors and a lower level of internet penetration and social media connectivity, the oil rich Gulf states are unlikely to board the current wave of youth activism and be affected by the ‘Spring’, any way. So there may not be an Arab Spring, at all.

Keywords: Arab Spring, Third Sector, West Asia, Tunisia, Egypt, UAE, Youth activism, Human development, Human security