Arab spring: Character and aftermaths of social and political transformation

The article deals with "Arab spring" and the factors and specific traits which predetermined this phenomenon. The authors try to answer the question whether the factors are of revolutionary character and what will be the future perspectives of the countries where "Arab spring" took place. The phenomenon of political Islam and rental state are analyzed as the key points of political transformation in the Arab countries and Arab societies. The driving force of social protest is scrutinized as well as their scale and causes of its involvement into "Arab spring events and their real role in the transformation process. The dynastic gerontocracy is seen by the authors as a key trigger of the described events. The authors see several directions of possible political changes in the Near East triggered by "Arab spring" and weigh the chances for stable and democratic development. They also analyze the main trends for modernization and de-modernization of society, strengthening of authoritarianism, forming of democracy institution, re-Islamisation and secularism, the perspective of political order and political chaos.