Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 
 

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

Challenging the Biopolitical: The Arab Spring and the Multitude

Arnoni, Kiersten L.

Abstract Details

2012, Master of Arts (MA), Ohio University, Political Science (Arts and Sciences).
This thesis, through an application of Michael Hardt and Antonio Negri’s theory of Empire, argues that a manifestation of the multitude is occurring through the Arab Spring, where the multitude attempts to create an alternative to the biopolitical production of Empire. Empire is apparent in the decline of sovereignty of the nation state and the transformation of sovereignty to global power networks. With the use of the concept of biopower, according to which control is exercised by entering into the consciousness and bodies of the population and all social relationships, I investigate whether societies of control are manifested in the Middle East. In particular, I inquire whether biopower, following Hardt and Negri, has become the foundation of life in some of the societies in the Middle East by way of influencing all social relationships. I argue that the Arab Spring and subsequent protests represent a manifestation of the multitude, which challenges this biopolitical production of social control that is characteristic of Empire. I, further, argue that the multitude manifests itself by entering into the terrain of biopower where, with the use of democratic uses of violence such as social media, effectively creates an alternative to the current global order of Empire.
Maria Fanis (Committee Chair)
Andrew Ross (Committee Member)
Judith Grant (Committee Member)

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Arnoni, K. L. (2012). Challenging the Biopolitical: The Arab Spring and the Multitude [Master's thesis, Ohio University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1338575260

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Arnoni, Kiersten. Challenging the Biopolitical: The Arab Spring and the Multitude. 2012. Ohio University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1338575260.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Arnoni, Kiersten. "Challenging the Biopolitical: The Arab Spring and the Multitude." Master's thesis, Ohio University, 2012. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1338575260

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)