ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the challenges faced in the development of a new democratic constitution subsequent to Tunisia's Arab Spring revolution of 2011. It discusses not only that 'Western models' of the state are unsuitable for transfer to post-colonial states, but that, in the actual context of the international crisis of neoliberalism and the rise of atavistic populism, the 'learning' should travel in the opposite direction. The chapter argues that contextualised through situating Tunisia's development trajectory following independence within the broader geopolitical environment. It explains the challenge facing Tunisia in building a democratic state after the revolution and explores the key characteristics of the dialogic processes undertaken. The chapter discusses the significance of the Tunisian experience in the light of the existential challenges facing liberal democracy internationally, with growing discontent manifested at the same time by the rise of demagogic populism on one hand, and of nihilist movements committed to the destruction of Western civilisation on the other.
