Algeria: The Politics of a Socialist Revolution

After gaining independence from France in 1962, Algeria began a second revolution to destroy the colonial economic and social order. This book examines the Algerian socialist revolution, focusing on political behavior and the struggle among leaders. Despite acquiring socialist trappings, politics remained a question of personal relations and alliances among a small group of leaders. The authors trace the cyclical process of building stable political institutions during the first six years of independence, highlighting the lack of Soviet or Chinese influences.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 344 pages
Publication date: 25 March 2022
Publisher: University of California Press

In 1962, following an eight-year guerilla war, Algeria achieved its independence from France, initiating a second revolution aimed at dismantling the colonial economic and social order. During the initial hours of independence, nationalist leaders vied for power, while peasants seized French farms and workers took control of factories, setting the stage for a transformative socialist order. This book delves into the Algerian socialist revolution, exploring the individuals and groups that shaped it and the benefits they reaped. The primary focus lies in examining political behavior, particularly the intricate dynamics among Algerian leaders that ultimately defined the nature of the new order. The authors reveal that, despite Algeria's adoption of socialist principles, politics remained predominantly driven by personal relationships, alliances, and rivalries among a small circle of leaders. Drawing upon the concept of "assabiya" from Arab historian Ibn Khaldun, they describe this as a distinct political landscape characterized by power struggles and palace conspiracies.

Algeria's first President, Ahmed Ben Bella, attempted to unite the new and old political factions into a modern political system, but his efforts proved unsuccessful. The army's overthrow of Ben Bella marked a pivotal moment in the process of establishing stable political institutions and overcoming the legacy of palace conspiracies and feudal lord rebellions. The authors meticulously trace this cyclical process during the first six years of Algerian independence, providing a comprehensive account of the nation's journey toward socialism.

The work benefits from extensive firsthand information gathered during the authors' three-year stay in the country, resulting in a detailed and nuanced portrayal of the revolution. The authors argue that the Algerian socialist revolution owes little to Soviet or Chinese influences, and in some respects, even to the intentions of its leaders. Instead, it emerged as a unique and indigenous movement driven by the aspirations of the Algerian people for social and economic change.

In conclusion, this book offers a comprehensive exploration of the Algerian socialist revolution, shedding light on the individuals, groups, and political dynamics that shaped this significant historical event. Through its detailed analysis and rich firsthand accounts, it provides valuable insights into the complexities of power struggles, social movements, and the pursuit of socialism in a post-colonial context.

Weight: 499g
Dimension: 234 x 156 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520305656