ABSTRACT
This study examines the transformations that the Tunisian diaspora underwent in France and Italy after the 2011 revolution. The contribution of external actors to the democratic transition in Tunisia has not been analysed in great detail and this chapter seeks to fill this gap. Despite the historical differences between the Tunisian diasporas in Italy and France, this chapter focuses on their shared objectives to develop a comprehensive understanding of diasporic dynamics in a time of revolution and globalisation. The analysis shows that while the Tunisian diaspora in the two contexts had different experiences with political activism before the 2011 revolution, the different associations were quick to mobilise their resources and interests towards the homeland and the political transition that was taking place following Ben Ali’s departure. For the secular groups, disappointments were quick to arrive following the initial phase of patriotism. This led many of the activists to re-orient their actions towards efforts in their countries of residence and in doing so, they began to define their identities and political interest in non-national ways.
