Description
Book SynopsisAfter Tunisia's 2010–11 uprising and the downfall of its dictator, a period of transformation occurred as new actors and groups rushed to actively participate in the socio-political transformations of their nation. Fortier examines the effects of opening up this public space, and the deep sociocultural and socioreligious divisions that emerged.
Trade Review'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, Université 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
Table of Contents1. 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.
