The paper tested whether the events of the Arab spring could be explained in Edmund Burke’s philosophy. The aim of the study was to establish his prescriptions’ efficacy in contemporary politics. This was established through documentary reviews, interviews and focus group discussions. The findings uphold most of his ideas as relevant to contemporary politics; they help to explain the negative impacts of revolutions. From studying the ‘Arab Spring’ the paper established that the character of these revolts was consistent with Edmund Burke’s ideas. An eruption of revolts in one country is likely to have spillover effects in other countries. Another key finding is that revolutions do not always deliver. However, strict adherence to these ideas can lead to irrational refusal of improvement. The paper concludes that the ideas need to be rationally applied depending on the situation.