The Other Side of a Neoliberal Miracle: Economic Reform and Political De-Liberalization in Ben Ali's Tunisia

Gerasimos Tsourapas

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Citations (Scopus)

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 languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)23-41
JournalMediterranean Politics
Volume18
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 6 Mar 2013

Keywords

  • Tunisia
  • Ben Ali
  • Gramsci
  • Authoritarianism
  • Foucault
  • North Africa
  • Democratisation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Political Science and International Relations

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