The Arab World: From Rebellion to Revolution

Rebellions mature into revolutions not in cyber space, but over time and on the ground. Rebellions truly become revolutions when native actors are inspired to action by indigenous concerns.

by Abdullahi An-Na‘im

Rebellions mature into revolutions not in cyber space, but over time and on the ground. While coups may come and go, rebellions truly become revolutions not as “command performances” for the benefit of neo-colonial NATO powers, but rather when native actors have been inspired to action by indigenous concerns. In the same vein, sustainable and legitimate constitutions emerge from these revolutions when native political forces reach “national settlements” amongst themselves. These constitutions, in turn, succeed to the extent they mediate between domestic conflicts and tensions and do not impose final solutions. These conflicts and tensions, which are profoundly historical and contextual, can be successfully mediated only by those who are of that time and place. To the extent that religion is integral to these disputes, it also must be included in the process of constitutional mediation. There are no short-cuts, and no assurances against setbacks and regression. In each post-revolutionary nation, the people themselves must struggle to develop national settlements and constitutional mediations. External actors can support these efforts, but can never replace the independent agency of native actors. While neocolonial powers may succeed in aborting rebellions in the global south and in obstructing their development into revolutions, they can never manufacture revolutions or transplant constitutions.