The 2011 uprisings in the Middle East and North Africa started in Tunisia and spread across the region as far east as Bahrain on the Arabian Gulf. They shook and overthrew decades-long repressive monarchies and presidencies and opened up the possibility of social transformation. Yet, within a couple of years, the uprisings had been snuffed out as a result of both repression and their political weaknesses. What lessons can we learn from these uprisings and their defeat? All are welcome to reflect on and analyse these momentous events.