Governance in North Africa

3 Credits · Level: Graduate

Situated at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya) is a region in the midst of change. Once thought of as the democratic hope for the Arab world, more than 10 years after the popular uprisings known as the Arab Spring, the socioeconomic and governance grievances that fueled the protests are still prevalent, and many have been made even worse in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic that has thrown regional economies into chaos, made socioeconomic disparities worse, highlighted governance failures, and enabled further power grabs by authoritarian leaders. This course examines the intersection of governance, security, and stability. Throughout the semester, we will examine both in-depth country case studies as well as broader cross-regional trends such as long-standing regional conflicts, migration, the role of marginalized communities (such as women and minorities), and the relationship between state and society. It offers a look at the causes and consequences of the Arab Spring and examines the way leaders and citizens have responded (or failed to respond) to growing political, economic and security challenges. The course also examines the role of the COVID-19 pandemic in exacerbating those threats.