Following the Arab Spring, some Arab autocrats are seeking to promote reform to remedy the causes of popular discontent and remain in power, understanding that this means enabling civil society, reforming the economy, legitimizing pluralism, and instilling equality under the rule of law. Some Arab liberals believe that by harnessing the media's pervasive influence to introduce ideals and policy goals, they can catalyze other segments of society to embrace and act on them. This would help shore up the stability of Arab countries that happens to be American allies, by opening their political...

Following the Arab Spring, some Arab autocrats are seeking to promote reform to remedy the causes of popular discontent and remain in power, understanding that this means enabling civil society, reforming the economy, legitimizing pluralism, and instilling equality under the rule of law. Some Arab liberals believe that by harnessing the media's pervasive influence to introduce ideals and policy goals, they can catalyze other segments of society to embrace and act on them. This would help shore up the stability of Arab countries that happens to be American allies, by opening their political...