Ben Ali's Tunisia: Power and Contention in an Authoritarian Regime

This book provides the first account of the internal regime factors that caused the fall of Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali's long dictatorship in Tunisia during the Arab Uprisings. It challenges studies that focus on mass mobilization alone and demonstrates that dissent within the ruling party mounted to such an extent that followers began challenging their own powerbroker. The culmination of this was a secret coup d'état staged by regime figures against Ben Ali in January 2011, which has not previously been uncovered. Wolf proposes a new theory of power and contention within ruling parties in authoritarian regimes to explain how dictators seek to fortify their rule and foster party-political stability, but also when, why, and how they succumb to internal contention and with what effect.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 16 March 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press

This book provides a comprehensive account of the internal regime factors that led to the downfall of Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali's long dictatorship in Tunisia during the Arab Uprisings. Drawing on a wealth of new primary data, author Anne Wolf challenges prevailing theories that solely emphasize the role of mass mobilization. Instead, she demonstrates that in the final decade of Ben Ali's presidency, dissent within his ruling party, the Constitutional Democratic Rally, reached unprecedented levels. This dissent led to followers questioning their own powerbroker, ultimately culminating in a secret coup d'état staged by regime figures against Ben Ali in January 2011. This coup, which had previously gone unnoticed, marked a significant turning point in Tunisia's political landscape.

Wolf's account offers a novel perspective on power and contention within ruling parties in authoritarian regimes. She proposes a new theory that explains how dictators strive to maintain their rule and foster party-political stability, while also grappling with internal disputes and their consequences. The book delves into the dynamics of these power struggles, exploring the factors that contribute to dictators' downfall and the impact of such events on the broader political landscape.

Through meticulous research and analysis, Wolf sheds light on the complex web of factors that contributed to Ben Ali's fall, including the erosion of popular support, economic challenges, and the rise of opposition movements. She also examines the role of regime figures in orchestrating the coup and the subsequent transition to a democratic regime.

This book is a valuable contribution to the study of authoritarianism and political transition, offering insights into the dynamics of power and contention within ruling parties and their impact on society. It will be of interest to scholars, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics of political change in the Arab world and beyond.

Weight: 568g
Dimension: 240 x 160 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192868503