Abstract
Employing a Gramscian framework this analysis argues that economic liberalization in Tunisia under Zine El Abidine Ben Ali allowed for a deeper penetration of state power into society, introducing novel modes of control during a climate of economic uncertainty which, labelled an ‘economic miracle’, was to be defended at all costs. It examines two institutions central to the reform process – the Tunisian Solidarity Bank and the National Solidary Fund – making the argument that, by associating the ‘miracle’ discourse with a variety of pre-existing narratives, the regime ensured compliance, invalidated dissent and prolonged its repressive grip on power.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 23-41 |
Journal | Mediterranean Politics |
Volume | 18 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 6 Mar 2013 |
Keywords
- Tunisia
- Ben Ali
- Gramsci
- Authoritarianism
- Foucault
- North Africa
- Democratisation
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Political Science and International Relations