Tunisia's International Relations Since the Arab Spring: Transition Inside and Out

When popular protests started in Tunisia in late 2010, few anticipated the implications these events would have for the entire Arab region. In the following years, this region witnessed deep changes, increased divisions, and even failing states. Meanwhile, Tunisia managed to assert itself as a new democracy. How did this small country manage its democratic transition within such a short period? And what implications has this had for its foreign policy and its role in international politics?

This book assesses Tunisia’s transition ‘inside and out’ from four angles: Tunisian polity and politics which provide the framework for its foreign policy since the ‘Arab Spring’; bilateral relations before and after the ‘Arab Spring’; Tunisia’s activism in international organisations as well as their presence in Tunisia; and transnational issues in Tunisia. Drawing on a broad range of primary sources, including authors’ own interview material conducted with politicians and representatives of civil society and international NGOs involved in the transition process, the book shows that since 2011 Tunisia has not only developed fundamentally at the domestic level, but also at the level of external relations. New and old alliances, a broadening of relations, and new activism of civil society and of Tunisia in international organisations certify that Tunisia has the potential to play an increasingly important role regionally as well as internationally.

Providing an encompassing picture of Tunisia’s changed role and successful transition from an autocracy to a democracy, the book allows students and scholars in the field to understand the ‘last country standing’ better, a country that both the scientific community and the political scene should not underestimate for the promises it holds.

Tasnim Abderrahim holds an M.A. in English Studies from the University of Tunis and was one of the coordinators of the German-Tunisian research project Tunisia in Transition. Her research interests include foreign policy analysis and democratization.

Laura-Theresa Krüger is a PhD candidate in International Relations at the University of Passau, Germany. Previously one of the coordinators of the research project Tunisia in Transition, her research interests include development policy, French and European foreign policies.

Salma Besbes is a PhD candidate in International Relations at the University Tunis Carthage and offers courses on Human Rights at the University of Kairouan. In 2015 and 2016, she was one of the coordinators of the research project Tunisia in Transition.

Katharina McLarren is a PhD candidate who focuses on religion in IR theories. She works for the Chair of International Politics at the University of Passau, Germany and was one of the coordinators of the research project Tunisia in Transition