Amazigh Politics in the Wake of the Arab Spring

The Amazigh movement in North Africa has evolved from ethnocultural recognition to legal and socioeconomic equality, with activists pressing territorial and constitutional claims and rejecting official discrimination and neglect. The Amazigh question looms larger than ever, as North African governments find they can no longer ignore the movements interests.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 30 May 2022
Publisher: University of Texas Press

The Arab Spring, a significant political movement, unfolded across various regions, including Cairo, Tunis, and the city-states of the Persian Gulf. However, the impact of this drama extended far beyond the confines of cities and Arabs. In his insightful book, "Amazigh Politics in the Wake of the Arab Spring," Bruce Maddy-Weitzman sheds light on the enduring political movement of the Amazigh people in North Africa.

It is important to note that the Amazigh movement did not originate with the Arab Spring, but it has undergone significant transformations since then. "Amazigh Politics in the Wake of the Arab Spring" delves into the evolving objectives of Amazigh activism, highlighting a shift from the pursuit of ethnocultural recognition to the demand for legal and socioeconomic equality. The book explores how Amazigh communities responded to the struggles for freedom witnessed around them, employing territorial and constitutional claims while actively rejecting official discrimination and neglect.

Despite facing resistance from Arab activists, who were deeply entrenched in postcolonial nationalism and protective of their dominant position, Amazigh demands continued to grow. Flailing regimes were compelled to address these demands or risk jeopardizing their fragile legitimacy. Today, the Amazigh question assumes greater significance than ever before, as North African governments find themselves unable to disregard the interests and aspirations of the Amazigh people.

This book serves as a valuable contribution to our understanding of the complex dynamics and historical context surrounding the Amazigh movement. By shedding light on the experiences and struggles of the Amazigh people, Maddy-Weitzman provides a deeper appreciation for the diverse voices and perspectives shaping the political landscape of North Africa. "Amazigh Politics in the Wake of the Arab Spring" is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of identity, resistance, and social change in the region.

Dimension: 229 x 152 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781477324820