National Identity and Social Change in the UAE

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Questions and Answers

What was one immediate effect of disconnecting the internet during the protests?

  • It allowed the government to gather more intelligence.
  • It strengthened the message of the protesters.
  • It increased the number of activists participating online.
  • It silenced the voices of activists. (correct)

Which class was predominantly highlighted as the driving force behind the uprisings?

  • The educated middle class (correct)
  • The elite upper class
  • The technocrats
  • The labor class

What is a primary characteristic of the political life in GCC countries, particularly in relation to dynastic authority?

  • Challenge to democratic governance
  • Promotion of grassroots activism
  • Lack of opposition to dynastic rule (correct)
  • Acceptance of diverse political ideologies

What was the media's portrayal of the technology's role in the uprisings?

<p>It was appreciated for its role in organizing protests via social media. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the societal structure in Bahrain differ from that in other GCC countries?

<p>It features a bifurcated societal structure with a large Shi'a minority. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was particularly notable about the crowds at Tahrir on January 28?

<p>They continued to grow despite internet disconnection. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What misconception about class influence is challenged by the protests at Tahrir?

<p>History is exclusively made by the educated elite. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the total GCC population is typically made up of nonnationals?

<p>39 to 43 percent (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In 2010, what was the approximate percentage of UAE citizens in relation to the total population?

<p>11.5 percent (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What consequence do noncitizens in GCC countries often face for agitation and protests?

<p>Arrest and imprisonment or deportation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Arab Spring uprisings

A series of protests and uprisings in the Arab world that began in 2010. These movements were largely driven by social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, which helped to mobilize and coordinate activists.

Western Technology's Role

The text emphasizes the role of Western technology in facilitating the Arab Spring uprisings, pointing to the use of social media, computers, and communication tools.

Middle Class's Agency

The excerpt highlights the role of the middle class, particularly those with access to computers and social media, in driving the revolutions.

Real-World Communication

Despite the initial success of social media in mobilizing the revolution, the author emphasizes the importance of traditional communication methods like word of mouth and face-to-face interactions in sustaining the movement.

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Tahrir Square

The main square in Cairo, Egypt, where a large number of protesters gathered during the Egyptian Revolution.

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GCC Political Life

A political system in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, where the ruling elite's authority is rarely challenged, similar to Singapore's political landscape.

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Guest Worker Community

A large population of non-national workers residing in Gulf Cooperation Council countries, significantly outnumbering the native citizens.

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Demographic Imbalance

A significant disparity in population size between native citizens and non-national guest workers in the GCC states.

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Singapore Quality

The characteristic of GCC political systems with a strong, centralized authority and limited dissent, resembling Singapore's political model.

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Swift One-Way Ticket

The likely outcome for non-national workers who protest or agitate in GCC states, experiencing deportation back to their home countries.

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Study Notes

National Identity in the UAE and its Capacity for Social Transformation

  • Arab uprisings were an exhilarating period of change in the Middle East
  • Social media played a significant role in these events, including instances of citizens using it for communication and organization
  • Western media often portrayed the uprisings as a triumph of advanced technology, particularly social media
  • This perspective overlooked the role of other factors, such as pre-existing political and economic issues
  • The UAE did not experience the same level of uprising as other countries in the region
  • This difference likely stems from a unique combination of factors, including class structure, state legitimacy, and cultural identity
  • Disparity between citizens and resident workers was a noteworthy feature of UAE society
  • Social media use was high in the UAE, but the structure of the country meant social media was not used to foster widespread social unrest
  • A particular feature of the UAE was large numbers of non-citizen workers
  • This high level of non-citizen worker presence contributed to the relative stability of the UAE, contrasting with the social unrest elsewhere in the region
  • Youth in the UAE are highly involved with social media and using the media to connect across wide distances
  • There is a generational gap in understanding and accessing technology, which impacted the ability of generations to connect and mobilize for social change
  • Emiratis have adopted modern values but also retained some traditional ones, leading to a divided identity
  • Cultural heritage, history, and national pride are being promoted to counter the overwhelming influence of modern media

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