Tunisia: Stability and Reform in the Modern Maghreb

This book gives a concise yet comprehensive overview of Tunisia's political and economic development from the mid-nineteenth century to the present. Written specifically for a non-specialist audience, the book examines the factors that make Tunisia one of the Arab world's most stable and prosperous countries and one of its hardiest authoritarian orders. The author explores these themes in a way that sheds light on the political dynamics of the broader Arabic-speaking, Muslim world.

Christopher Alexander draws on extensive primary and secondary research and on comparison with other countries in the region to provide the most up-to-date introduction to Tunisia's post-independence politics. Challenging the notion that Tunisia's stability is rooted in a unique political culture, he argues that Tunisia's stability reflects the pragmatic interests of a wide range of actors and the skillful maneuvering of the country's two presidents. Concisely written chapters cover topics such as:

    state formation

    domestic politics

    economic development

    foreign relations

    colonialism