In 2011, the world witnessed a tide of political changes in the Arab world, a region notorious for its political turbulence and unpredictability. Yet, the world was taken by surprise by the events of the so-called ‘Arab Spring’. This series of events established, perhaps, the beginning of a new era of non-violent political activism and resistance against well- and long-established unpopular regimes in the region. The stability and longevity of the political systems dictated political relations and alliances in the world for a long time. Hence, the global reaction was a mixture of feelings – tension, surprise and even fear about the changes that were taking place, even though they were expected in some quarters. None could claim that they knew that such “creative anarchy” was capable of bringing about such quick and widespread changes and challenges that may not be limited to just political changes.

Nearly three years after the Arab Spring, none can tell what these changes will finally yield. But, local, regional and world stakeholders are obliged to reflect deeply about their involvement and reaction to a major change that will somehow impact their interests, future and may actually change the world. Even though it is a little immature or premature, it appears that we are observing the birth of a new world order.

It would be difficult for any analyst or observer of the global political, economic, socio-economic and cultural changes to argue against the assertion that the timing of the Arab Spring is amazing. New non-ideological world powers are on the rise, while old ones are declining due to the shift in the balance of global economics and politics. Actually, economically and socially, the world is no more divided into civilized, rich and intelligent at one pole, and illiterate, backward, poor, sick and dependent at the other. That age of simple dualities is a notion of the past.

The question that one must ponder then is not how the Arab Spring will change the Arab World. A more appropriate question would be: how will the Arab Spring play an active role, contribute and expedite the anticipated new world order? In this new formulation, the echoes of the Arab Spring are truly global. To clarify this, I reflect upon two levels – internal and external reactions – partially using Mayer Zald’s ‘political economy’ model of analysis of complex organizational changes.