Civil Society in Algeria - Activism, Identity and the Democratic Process

Are new forms of activism emerging in Algeria? Can civil society effect political reform in the country? The violence between radical Islamists and the military during the Algerian civil war of the 1990s led to huge loss of life and mass exile. The public sphere was rendered a dangerous place for over a decade. Yet in defiance of these conditions, civil society grew, with thousands of associations forming throughout the conflict. Associations were set up to protect human rights and vulnerable populations, commemorate those assassinated and promote Algerian heritage. There are now over 93,000 associations registered across the country. Although social, economic and political turbulence continues, new networks still emerge and, since the Arab revolts of 2011, organised demonstrations increasingly take place. examines these recent developments and scrutinizes the role associations play in promoting political reform and democratization in Algeria. Based on extensive fieldwork undertaken both before and after the Arab Spring, the book shows how associations challenge government policy in the public sphere. Algeria is playing an increasingly important role in the stability and future peaceful relations of the Middle East and North Africa. This book reveals the new forms of activism that are challenging the ever-powerful state. It is a valuable resource for Algeria specialists and for scholars researching political reform and democratization across the Middle East and North Africa.

Product details

• Authors: Jessica Ayesha Northey, Jessica Ayesha (University of Coventry Northey, Northey Jessica a
• Publisher: Tauris, I.B.
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 31.12.2017
• EAN: 9781788311595
• ISBN: 978-1-78831-159-5
• No. of pages: 256
• Series: International Library of African Studies; International Library of Afric; International Library of African Studies
• Subjects: Non-fiction book > History > Miscellaneous; Social sciences, law, business > Political science > Political science and political education; HISTORY / Middle East / General, POLITICAL SCIENCE / Political Process / General, POLITICAL SCIENCE / Civics & Citizenship, POLITICAL SCIENCE / Political Ideologies / Democracy, POLITICAL SCIENCE / Peace, POLITICAL SCIENCE / World / European, POLITICAL SCIENCE / Civil Rights, Political structures: democracy, Peace studies and conflict resolution, Middle Eastern history, Civil rights & citizenship, Peace studies & conflict resolution, Civics and citizenship