Can Tunisia’s youth resist the resurgence of authoritarianism?
Outlet: Arab News
Language: English
Abstract: A decade after the Arab Spring, Tunisia’s youth face an authoritarian resurgence, as democratic aspirations wane amid economic hardship and centralized power. The frustration fueling protests highlights a disillusionment with Tunisia's political landscape, yet the example of Iraqi youth offers an alternative model of change. In Iraq, young activists have shifted from direct confrontation to grassroots, community-focused initiatives in education, healthcare, and local development, creating a quiet resistance that avoids government crackdowns while building societal resilience.
For Tunisian youth, adopting this strategy could channel discontent into local economic and social initiatives, reinforcing civil society and fostering long-term civic engagement. This shift from protest to practical community action would not signify surrender to authoritarianism but a recalibrated approach to sustain democratic ideals through targeted improvements in employment, education, and public services. By focusing on incremental victories and societal investment, Tunisian youth could transform disillusionment into a structured effort for durable, grassroots-driven change. The future of Tunisia’s democracy may lie not in sweeping protests but in the steady, localized work of rebuilding from the ground up.
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