When Islamists lose: the politicization of Tunisia’s al-Nahda Movement

Journal article

When Islamists found their political ambitions frustrated by semi-authoritarian regimes, they retreated from political parties to shelter in social movements. How do their assessments change in a transition away from authoritarian rule? This article takes the case of Tunisia’s al-Nahda movement to argue that an uncertain transition, competition, and election defeat may make an Islamist group more politicized, not less. This happens when Islamists perceive politicization will protect them against a return to repression.

Authors: McCarthy, R

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Middle East Institute Publisher's website
• Journal: Middle East Journal Journal website
• Volume: 72
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 365-384
• Publication date: 2018-08-28
• Acceptance date: 2017-08-05
• DOI: 10.3751/72.3.11
• ISSN: 0026-3141
• Keywords: political parties; al-Nahda; democratization; North Africa; Middle East; Tunisia; Islamism