What Happens to Protesters’ Demands After Regime Change?

Newswise — High unemployment, lack of job opportunities, steep prices for basic goods and other socio-economic concerns encouraged protesters to take to the streets in the Middle East. As broader movements for democratic change gained momentum, the media focused on protesters’ demands for political reform and the removal of long-standing leaders. But these movements, like many others around the globe over the last few decades, are not simply about political reform and are not necessarily for liberal democracy. In her new book: The Politics of Necessity: Community Organizing and Democracy in South Africa (The University of Wisconsin Press, Feb. 12, '11 uwpress.wisc.edu/books/4792.htm) Elke Zuern argues that working toward greater socio-economic equality—access to food, housing, land, jobs—is crucial to achieving a successful and sustainable democracy.