ABSTRACT

When popular protests started in Tunisia in late 2010, few anticipated the implications these events would have for the entire Arab region. In the following years, this region witnessed deep changes, increased divisions, and even failing states. Meanwhile, Tunisia managed to assert itself as a new democracy. How did this small country manage its democratic transition within such a short period? And what implications has this had for its foreign policy and its role in international politics?

This book assesses Tunisia’s transition ‘inside and out’ from four angles: Tunisian polity and politics which provide the framework for its foreign policy since the ‘Arab Spring’; bilateral relations before and after the ‘Arab Spring’; Tunisia’s activism in international organisations as well as their presence in Tunisia; and transnational issues in Tunisia. Drawing on a broad range of primary sources, including authors’ own interview material conducted with politicians and representatives of civil society and international NGOs involved in the transition process, the book shows that since 2011 Tunisia has not only developed fundamentally at the domestic level, but also at the level of external relations. New and old alliances, a broadening of relations, and new activism of civil society and of Tunisia in international organisations certify that Tunisia has the potential to play an increasingly important role regionally as well as internationally.

Providing an encompassing picture of Tunisia’s changed role and successful transition from an autocracy to a democracy, the book allows students and scholars in the field to understand the ‘last country standing’ better, a country that both the scientific community and the political scene should not underestimate for the promises it holds.

part I|82 pages

Principles, aspirations, limitations

chapter 2|20 pages

The Essebsi government (2011)

Continuity or change?

chapter 3|23 pages

The Troika governments (2011–2014)

Orientations and constraints

chapter 4|25 pages

The Jomaa government (2014–2015)

Tunisia as a ‘start-up democracy’

part II|112 pages

Oscillation, cooperation, commitment

chapter 5|25 pages

France and Tunisia

Friendship reactivated?

chapter 6|18 pages

Germany and Tunisia

Friendship in the making?

chapter 7|23 pages

Tunisia and the EU

‘More of the same’ or starting anew?

chapter 8|22 pages

Turkey and Tunisia

Building bridges in stormy times?

chapter 9|22 pages

The U.S. and Tunisia

From democracy promotion to security consolidation

part III|66 pages

Inspiration, conditionality, concertation

chapter 10|23 pages

International financial institutions

Business as usual in Tunisia?

chapter 11|22 pages

The Arab Maghreb Union

A new quality of foreign policy cooperation?

chapter 12|19 pages

Arab League and United Nations

Tunisia’s new activism?

part IV|66 pages

Challenges, uncertainty, determination

chapter 13|17 pages

Tunisia’s migration policy

From a reactive to a proactive approach

chapter 14|23 pages

Tunisia’s security policy

Threats and reform efforts

chapter 15|20 pages

Radicalisation and terrorism in Tunisia

The lure of jihadism for a marginalised youth

chapter |4 pages

Conclusion

What is ‘new’ regarding Tunisia’s place in the world – empirical findings and theoretical departures