@article {77836, title = {Why was the Arab World Poised for Revolution? Schooling, Economic Opportunities, and the Arab Spring}, journal = {Journal of Economic Perspectives}, volume = {26}, number = {2}, year = {2012}, pages = {167-188}, abstract = {In December 2010, the self-immolation of a Tunisian fruit vendor sparked what has come to be termed the {\textquotedblleft}Arab Spring.{\textquotedblright} What first appeared as an isolated act of protest against local authorities quickly gained broader significance, as it was followed by a series of demonstrations that has shaken the grip of autocratic regimes across the Arab world. A year later, three longstanding dictators - Zine El Abidine Ben Ali of Tunisia, Hosni Mubarak of Egypt, and Muammar el-Qaddafi of Libya - have been ousted, after varying degrees of violence. Syria, Yemen, and Bahrain have all witnessed extensive turmoil, raising serious questions about the ahrain have all witnessed extensive turmoil, raising serious questions about the legitimacy and survival of their rulers. Elsewhere, the political leaders of Morocco, Algeria, and Jordan have also been pressured into enacting reforms to try to assuage public demands.}, url = {http://www.aeaweb.org/articles.php?doi=10.1257/jep.26.2.167}, author = {Campante, Felipe and Chor, David} }