Security Breakdown and Regional Disintegration

Chapter Eight entitled “Security Breakdown and Regional Disintegration” analyses this security disaster and the region’s disintegration. The collapse of the state in Libya as well as the development of jihadi groups in North Africa and in the Sahel is eroding the state in North Africa. These countries are being pressured by the European Union to retake control of their borders and stem migration flows. Security policies are draining part of these states’ meagre resources to the detriment of economic and social development.

The Deconstruction of Nation-States

Chapter Seven entitled “The Deconstruction of Nation States: The Jihadis’ Revenge” shows how jihadi groups have taken advantage of the Arab revolts that are undermining political regimes, giving them a chance to take revenge. Many groups took refuge in the sanctuary offered by post Qadhafi Libya, reformed there, and set out to destroy the nation state and replace it with an Islamic state. Jihadi networks straddle national borders to such an extent that the fight against jihadi groups has become a regional and international imperative.

Morocco

Chapter Five entitled “Morocco: Beneficial Reforms” demonstrates how reforms implemented by the monarchy in Morocco defused social and political demands expressed by various protest movements. Throughout the monarchy’s long experience in its fight against political opposition, it has gained immeasurable skill in handling movements of dissent. From the 20 February Movement to the Hirak Movement, the Moroccan state has deployed the full range of its resources to manage and control revolts likely to destabilize the monarchy.

The Trials and Tribulations of Nation-Building

Chapter One, entitled “The Trials and Tribulations of Nation Building” analyses long and complex nation building process in North Africa. It emphasizes the extent to which national cohesion was, right from independence, a major concern for the countries’ rulers, whose ambition was to build strong states capable of controlling their populations.

Introduction

This chapter is the general introduction to The State in North Africa. After the Arab Uprisings. Until the Arab revolts, the process of state consolidation in North Africa was believed to be completed, and territory and border control came under state sovereignty. The governments of North Africa discovered with dismay that they were facing challenges that undermined this long task of territorial unification as well as the cultural and administrative harmonization undertaken in the wake of their independence. The introduction ends by presenting the general outline of the book.

Conclusion

The Conclusion, entitled “Reforging a Sense of Belonging and Loyalty to the State” highlights the need to rebuild a sense of belonging and loyalty to the state. Maghreb leaders understand the vulnerability of their political communities and the inadequacy of state instruments to sustain the nation in all its diversity and plurality.

Algeria

Chapter Six entitled “Algeria: A Society on the Brink” analyses how Algeria, considered a country on the edge of a precipice, has been able to overcome the threats it faces. From civil war in the 1990s to the Arab revolts and AQIM terrorism, the state, owing to its oil revenue, has managed to develop instruments that have contributed immensely to the country’s stability. Questions are raised, however, as to the durability of a system whose stability depends on the international oil market.

Injustice, a Challenge to Social Cohesion

Chapter Two entitled “Injustice, a Challenge to Social Cohesion” highlights the limits of the authoritarian systems set up by the governments in the face of social transformations and political change. Demands for better governance and greater social justice clashed with state practices designed to produce security. Revolts and riots have structured relations between society and states, which each time have managed to restore order. The ability of these states to keep a lid on unrest caused them to be perceived and analysed as “robust”. The unexpected and unforeseeable outbreak of the Arab revolts represents a huge challenge for the countries of North Africa. Civil society expresses demands for a more just and more inclusive state. The Arab revolts weakened the repressive apparatuses and opened new opportunities for jihadi groups.

Libya, a Multinational State?

Chapter Four entitled “Libya, a Multinational State?” analyses state collapse in Libya after the war to bring down the Qadhafi regime. Unlike Tunisia, Libya has been unable to achieve a democratic compromise. On the contrary, the demise of Qadhafi’s regime brought to light the historical rifts in the Libyan state. Its implosion into several different regional and tribal entities indicates the weakness of social ties. Under the Qadhafi regime, the state was continually undermined by the tribes and militias. The state’s under developed resources were never used to produce national cohesion and territorial unity.

Tunisia

Chapter Three entitled “Tunisia: From the Spectre of Civil War to Democratic Compromise” analyses how the collapse of Ben Ali’s regime brought insecurity and stoked fears of seeing Tunisia sink into civil war. The establishment of a new political regime and the restoration of constitutional rule are the result of a historic democratic compromise. Even if its political institutions have been strengthened, the difficulty the authorities face in restoring security posed by the threat of terrorism and in reviving the economy is reflected in recurrent social uprisings that weaken Tunisia’s young democracy.