Theorising Movements

Abstract

This chapter explores some of the major conceptual debates surrounding Middle Eastern movements and the roles of specific groups of actors. It proposes that although terms such as ‘social movement’, civil society and ‘democracy’ are highly contentious they have been applied in a largely uncritical fashion, with recent notable exceptions. Debates have tended to hinge around questions of Middle Eastern exceptionalism and assumptions that the region is both essentially conservative and resistant to the kinds of modern progressive movements and pluralistic civil societies seen in the West. The result is that the region is viewed as dominated by ‘ugly movements’ which Tarrow describes as those linked to extremism, ethnic and nationalist exclusivism and terrorism1 and ‘uncivil societies’ that cannot hope to play a role in effecting positive social change.