From the Arab Spring to a Global Summer

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Reid Mukai

In 2011 the world witnessed a surge of uprisings largely concentrated in Middle Eastern countries suffering from widespread hunger, poverty, unemployment and political corruption. Though the mass protests may have differences in specific characteristics and regional contexts, they’re linked to a wider movement against neoliberalism and are likely to continue as long as such policies remain in place. Unfortunately, implementation of neoliberal policies including resource privatization, deregulation, regressive taxation, bailouts and austerity cuts remain the primary agenda of the transnational ruling class.

Supporters of neoliberalism would like us to believe their philosophy promotes political freedom and prosperity and it does, for a relatively small percentage of the population. For the vast majority, neoliberalism has proven to have had the opposite effect. So it’s no surprise that in June of 2013 a new wave of uprisings has emerged.