Fundamentalism Belief that society should be based on the principles of one’s religion

Characteristics of Fundamentalism Desire of a people to return to the values and traditions of their religion Reaction against secularism and the loss of values/traditions Tend to believe in a literal interpretation of the scriptures infallible and historically accurate Opposition to westernization. Western influences corrupt the society

Islamists – Same beliefs as Muslim Fundamentalists – Want to return to the values set out in the Quran and Early Islamic traditions

Arab Spring refers to the democratic uprisings that arose independently and spread across the Arab world in originated in Tunisia in December 2010 quickly took hold in Egypt, Libya, Syria, Yemen, Bahrain Mohamed Bouazizi was a Tunisian street vendor who set himself on fire on 17 December 2010, in protest of the confiscation of his wares and the harassment and humiliation that he reported was inflicted on him by a municipal official and her aides. His act became a catalyst for the Tunisian Revolution and the wider Arab Spring

Arab Spring Causes – educated but dissatisfied youth – human rights violations – to overthrow of authoritarian government government corruption – unemployment – extreme poverty

Arab Spring Effects – Continued fighting and protests – Political reforms – Governments overthrown and the formation of new governments