Women and men across the Arab region have issued a resounding call for change. Youth have voiced their aspirations for a say in the decisions that affect their lives. People of all walks of life have come together to demand full and free participation in the decisions that will affect the future trajectory of their countries and societies. And for the first time in the region, several countries have taken significant steps along their own paths to democratic governance. As they take these steps the Arab countries may recognize the footprints of other societies that have embarked upon similar journeys. Over recent decades countries in all regions of the world have dealt with similar challenges and embraced similar opportunities within the contexts of their own transitions towards more inclusive and accountable political and economic systems. Though each of these processes has been unique, each also brings with it powerful lessons on the complex nature of transition, reform and transformation which can be of great benefit to stakeholders across the region.