The intention of this thesis is to use qualitative methods to investigate the role that foreign interventions play in revolutions. Within the thesis, I assert foreign intervention as the primary independent variable to explain the outcome of revolutions, which is the dependent variable. Bahrain, Libya, and Syria are used as case studies to illustrate this phenomenon. How did the Libyans successfully oust Qaddafi while the Bahrainis failed to overthrow their monarchy? I argue that the Libyans succeeded because they had help from foreign states during their revolution; whereas in Bahrain, the protesters and revolutionists worked against foreigners who supported the government and were subsequently forced to cease their efforts. Syria is an unusual case because there is foreign intervention and support for both sides, rebels and state, which helps explain why the situation has become a stalemate. I employ structural realism to analyze the power of strong states and explain why the revolutions ended with such acutely different outcomes. The theoretical claims put forth by structural realists illustrate that strong nations will take action to increase their regional and international security. During a revolution, these states pursue their own interests by interfering in the domestic affairs of others and offering support to their allies and opposition their foes.
