This study explores the gap between the expectations and aspirations of young people in light of revolutionary promises made in 2011–12 on the one hand, and their actual experiences on the other.

It analyses youth perceptions towards sociopolitical changes happening in their environment over a period of eight months (May– December 2012) in three key countries of the Arab transition: Egypt, Libya and Tunisia.

In addition to making a contribution to existing literature on Arab youth and to its vocabulary, this study seeks to provide key stakeholders with up-to-date information on the extent to which youth aspirations are being met and on how development activities can better meet the needs of young people at such a turning point in the history of the region.

The population of interest was defined as active youth 1 between the ages of 18 and 35 years of age. Per country, a panel study was conducted, as well as a series of five to eight in-depth focus-group discussions with young people and a parallel series of ten short semi-structured interviews over the study period.