Contested Politics in Tunisia

Civil Society in a Post-Authoritarian State

Edwige Fortier

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Hardback

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English

Cambridge University Press
30 May 2019

Middle Eastern history; African history; Regional government; Non-governmental organisations (NGOs); Revolutionary groups & movements

Several thousand new civil society organisations were legally established in Tunisia following the 2010–11 uprising that forced the long-serving dictator, Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali, from office. These organisations had different visions for a new Tunisia, and divisive issues such as the status of women, homosexuality, and human rights became highly contested. For some actors, the transition from authoritarian rule allowed them to have a strong voice that was previously muted under the former regimes. For others, the conflicts that emerged between the different groups brought new repressions and exclusions – this time not from the regime, but from 'civil society'. Vulnerable populations and the organisations working with them soon found themselves operating on uncertain terrain, where providing support to marginalised and routinely criminalised communities brought unexpected challenges. Here, Edwige Fortier explores this remarkable period of transformation and the effects of opening up public space in this way.

By: Edwige Fortier
Imprint: Cambridge University Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 234mm, Width: 155mm, Spine: 18mm
Weight: 480g
ISBN: 9781108425322
ISBN 10: 1108425321
Pages: 250
Publication Date: 30 May 2019
Audience: Professional and scholarly , Undergraduate
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

1. Introduction: in the pursuit of dignity and freedom; 2. Situating civil society: emancipation or liberalization; 3. The consolidation of the Tunisian state; 4. Civil society and the opening up of the public space; 5. Social divisions and the re-manifestation of social Islam; 6. Consensus and marginalization: the mapping of priorities in post-uprising Tunisia; 7. Conclusion: imagining change – determining the parameters of pluralism.

Edwige Fortier holds a Ph.D. in Development Studies from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. Formerly a Civil Society Advisor with the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, she has worked over twenty years as a development practitioner to strengthen the involvement, care and support of vulnerable communities affected by HIV/AIDS.

Reviews for Contested Politics in Tunisia: Civil Society in a Post-Authoritarian State

'Fortier's book is an important contribution to our understanding of what happens to civil society dynamics when a dictator falls and pluralistic politics is introduced. This compelling study of post-uprising Tunisia provides the opportunity to examine the tumultuous relationships, conflicts and debates that characterize post-authoritarian civil society activism.' Francesco Cavatorta, Universit Laval, Canada 'This study establishes the falsity of the neoliberal doxa's view of 'civil society' as homogeneously dedicated to 'good governance'. Through the litmus tests of three different NGO standpoints - human rights, sexual freedom, and faith - Edwige Fortier effectively shows how only a disparate and conflictive civil society can be the hallmark of democracy.' Gilbert Achcar, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London and author of The People Want: A Radical Exploration of the Arab Uprising