The purpose of this monograph is to determine the effects of social media usage on domestic instability as it pertains to the Arab Spring. The examination of social movement theory defines why revolutions occur. Discussing this theory shows that social media was a tool to enhance the uprisings of the Arab Spring but was not a causal factor for the revolutions. Four countries, Tunisia, Egypt, Syria, and Morocco, were used as case studies for this monograph. They were chosen for the varying approaches that the revolution took in their specific circumstances and the path that each country assumed as a result of the uprisings. This monograph also provides recommendations for possible military actions that could be taken in cases where domestic stability is effected. The overall affect of this monograph is to allow people to think about how the future practice of operational art will be effected by increased social media usage.

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of the student-authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College or any other governmental agency. (References to these studies should include the foregoing statement.)