Internal and external factors in Tunisia's democratic transition

Abstract

The outbreak of the Arab Springs and the attempts at democratisation that ensued across the MENA region has completely changed the course of history. Moreover, it has changed the political landscape of the region, upsetting some of the widely held ideas and notions on the political system of these countries. Thus, it has given new impetus for scholars and academics to investigate and analyse the causes, implications, consequences and opportunities that these events present. An area of study that has attracted numerous debates and theoretical analysis (and is likely to do the same with regards to the events in the Arab World) is democratisation and democratic transitions. This research paper examines these areas of study within the context of Tunisia. Tunisia was the first domino to fall fuelling a wave of revolts that engulfed the entire region. This research paper aims to look at the main indicators and factors that have led to an escalation of protest in Tunisia, leading to the ousting of the twenty-three year old regime of Ben Ali. This research analysis both the domestic factors at play, as well as, any external influences that might have contributed to the Jasmine revolution. With regards to the internal dimension, this research paper prioritises the Modernisation Theory in explaining the triggers that have fuelled, shaped and contributed to the successful revolution. Indeed, the negative economic situation in Tunisia meant that people grew increasingly dissatisfied with Ben Ali's social contract, which was mainly based on political repression and lack of freedom in exchange to economic well-being. Furthermore, it argues that mass mobilisation proved also crucial in ousting Ben Ali. However, this research paper also looks at the external dimension. This is important because, given the increasingly globalised and interlinked world; one cannot clearly define borders of influence.