The Whys and Wherefores of the Continuation of Failed States in MENA: From Arab Spring to Coronavirus Disease

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has been bombarded with challenges beyond conflict, tension, and competition since 2011 up until now (2021). Even though this critical moment, or rather vicious cycle, has been analysed extensively, none of the studies have addressed the simultaneous challenges posed by "awakening" and the "COVID-19" pandemic, which have played a critical role in the regional crises. Therefore, this study sought to examine how the countries affected by these two waves have remained in the path of the weak, bankrupt, and failed states, and what lies ahead of them. This was a descriptive-analytical research study and the data was collected through secondary research, involving a review of library, documentary, and online sources. The research findings indicate that many of the MENA countries affected by the two waves of awakening and COVID-19 are still continuing on the path of weak, bankrupt, and failed states due to their failure to resolve internal challenges in the economic, social, cultural, political, and military sectors. These countries have fallen behind in terms of economic, health, and social developments and are weighed down by corruption and inefficiency, which means the adverse effects of these conditions will likely continue to exist in the coming decade or decades.