“Some trade unions, even in the most repressive states, attempted to organize themselves and press for greater autonomy in the revolutionary moment.” Third in a series on labor relations around the world .

“Arab politics will be torn for many years to come between the restless, critical power of the public sphere and the determined efforts of regimes, states, and old elites to maintain their domination.” Third in a series on public spheres around the world .

Not only was the paramount role of the military unimpeded after the exit of Mubarak, but other key institutions were undiminished in their power.

The 1990s were the period when democracy promotion in the form we think of it today began to take shape. But that global political environment was unique…. Things have changed since then.

The White House has not repealed the doctrines that in the Middle East prioritize the stability of allied autocracies over democratization.

Egypt after Hosni Mubarak may look much like it looks now: another military man in civilian clothing in charge of civilian technocrats mismanaging both the economy and the political system.

What has warranted the Egyptian government's use of state security courts, military courts, military law, and exceptional regulation and control of political life over the course of more than five decades? Clearly, Islamist radicals who have been willing to use violence against the state and civilians outside the parameters of the law warrant strong measures…. [Yet] these laws have remained in place even as the government has claimed that its policies have vanquished the Islamist threat.