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Based on his concept of “long-term revolutionary process,” in this interview the Franco-Lebanese political scientist Gilbert Achcar analyzes the structure, consequences, and antecedents of the revolutionary phenomena that have marked the Arab-Muslim world since 2011. Drawing on his expertise in international relations and development policy, he highlights the importance of material structural tensions predating the revolutionary explosions, and refutes the idea of spontaneous revolutions. Placing revolutionary processes in the long term reflects the centrality of a structured civil society that will be able to access real change if, and only if, it is organized. Other factors, such as the confessionalization of societies, particularly in Lebanon and Iraq, as well as the militarization of certain communities, contribute to the difficulties and even the failure of revolutionary movements. Finally, the strategic interests of Middle Eastern giants such as Saudi Arabia add to the entrenchment of political instability in the region.