Justifications of Repression in Autocracies: An Empirical Analysis of the Maghreb, 2000–2010

After the Arab uprisings, Tunisia would emerge as the only Arab democracy. President Kais Saied’s July 2021 coup has, however, led to the autocratisation of the state. This GIGA Focus traces Saied’s base of support, his strategies, and rhetoric, as well as their implications for Tunisia’s future.

Organiser: Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom Dr. Maria Josua (Consultant)

At a virtual lunch talk, Maria Josua discussed with IMES associate Kressen Thyen and the head of the Naumann foundation's Tunis office Alexander Knipperts how and why the political situation in Tunisia has evolved since the Arab uprisings. They reflected on options to strengthen civil society during the current phase of autocratization.

The legacy of Saddam Hussein’s Iraq left its imprint on successor regimes post-2003 in terms of institutions, policies, and infrastructures. How to address these development challenges while also ensuring continued political stability is the task now facing both domestic and international partners.

This article investigates the communication of everyday repression in autocracies. It analyzes data from the novel "Justifications of Repressive Incidents in Morocco and Tunisia Dataset (JuRI)" covering human rights violations and judicial repression in the years 2000-2010.

After the Arab uprisings, Tunisia would emerge as the only Arab democracy. President Kais Saied’s July 2021 coup has, however, led to the autocratisation of the state. This GIGA Focus traces Saied’s base of support, his strategies, and rhetoric, as well as their implications for Tunisia’s future.

Organiser: Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom Dr. Maria Josua (Consultant)

At a virtual lunch talk, Maria Josua discussed with IMES associate Kressen Thyen and the head of the Naumann foundation's Tunis office Alexander Knipperts how and why the political situation in Tunisia has evolved since the Arab uprisings. They reflected on options to strengthen civil society during the current phase of autocratization.

The legacy of Saddam Hussein’s Iraq left its imprint on successor regimes post-2003 in terms of institutions, policies, and infrastructures. How to address these development challenges while also ensuring continued political stability is the task now facing both domestic and international partners.