Chapter 1: Introduction: Changing Times, Changing Science

Social change can be dangerous, particularly for those who hold positions of power. In 2011 masses rose up throughout the Middle East demanding democratic reforms and the resignation of their ineffectual and selfserving political leaders. Tunisia and Egypt ousted their presidents and began the bumpy road of political transition; rebels in Libya struggled in a bloody civil war for over 6 months before defeating government forces; and protesters in Syria, Yemen, and Bahrain held increasingly tense and fatal demonstrations in their major cities. For many people in all these countries, a historical turning point has been reached: they have been inspired by the idea that change can happen, that a new and better society is possible and worth struggling for. These events have even become a symbol for others around the world that took to the streets in 2011 to demonstrate against their governments’ policies (e.g., in Spain, Greece, Chile, Malawi, United States). Such is the power of ideas.