The voices of disillusioned, disenfranchised citizens found an outlet via social media culminating in the ouster of despots from Tunisia to Egypt. Srijith K Nair explains the catalyzing effect of social media in the Arab world.

The uprising in Egypt against President Hosni Mubarak and the military-dominated political system he inherited is shaping up to be a seminal event in the region's history.

The Jasmine Revolution in Tunisia has demonstrated that dictatorial regimes in Arab countries can indeed fall. Elliott Abrams, CFR’s Senior Fellow for Middle Eastern Studies, determines which of the autocrats from Algeria to Kuwait could be, on their way out.

The world’s leading international institutions may be outmoded, but Brazil, China, India, and South Africa are not ready to join the helm. Their shaky commitment to democracy, human rights, nuclear nonproliferation, and environmental protection would only weaken the international system’s core values.