In Chaos and Counterrevolution, international law scholar Richard Falk explores the wave of popular protests that swept North Africa and the Middle East in 2011—and the rapid demise (or reversal) the protest movement suffered in most countries, soon thereafter. The protests of 2011 inspired a new generation to imagine a future without authoritarianism. Yet, this sense of hope soon gave way to pessimism, counterrevolution, and sectarian strife.

In this unique collection of blog posts and essays, Falk explores these developments in key countries like Egypt, Libya, Syria, Turkey, Iran, and Iraq, pairing his reflections on developments as they unfolded with his later analysis of the events.

This is a companion volume to Falk's Palestine: The Legitimacy of Hope (Just World Books, 2014.)