Civil Society in Algeria

Are new forms of activism emerging in Algeria? Can civil society effect political reform in the country? The violence between radical Islamists and the military in the 1990s led to huge loss of life and mass exile. The public sphere was rendered a dangerous place for over a decade. Yet in defiance of these conditions, civil society grew, with thousands of associations forming throughout the conflict. Associations were set up to protect human rights and vulnerable populations, commemorate those assassinated and promote Algerian heritage. There are now over 93,000 associations registered across the country. Although social, economic and political turbulence continues, new networks still emerge and, since the Arab revolts of 2011, organised demonstrations increasingly take place.
Civil Society in Algeria examines these recent developments and scrutinizes the role associations play in promoting political reform and democratization in Algeria. Based on extensive fieldwork undertaken both before and after the Arab Spring, the book shows how associations challenge government policy in the public sphere. Algeria is playing an increasingly important role in the stability and future peaceful relations of the Middle East and North Africa. This book reveals the new forms of activism that are challenging the ever-powerful state. It is a valuable resource for Algeria specialists and for scholars researching political reform and democratization across the Middle East and North Africa.

Jessica Ayesha Northey is the Director of Postgraduate Research at the Centre for Trust, Peace and Social Relations of the University of Coventry, UK. She is a country expert for the Bertelsmann Foundation, Washington D.C. and has carried out numerous research assignments and electoral observation missions for international organisations, including the EU, the Westminster Foundation and the World Bank. She completed her PhD in Social & Political Sciences at the European University Institute, Florence.

Acknowledgements
Introduction

PART I Civil Society and Democracy Promotion in the Arab World
Chapter 1 Civil Society in the Arab World and Algeria
Associations in the Arab World
Civil Society and Democracy
Perceptions of Civil Society in Algeria
Associative Activism in a Post-Conflict Environment
Conclusion
Chapter 2 International Donors and Democracy Promotion
Development Paradigms and the Language of Donors
Regional Variations in EU Support to Civil Society
Civil Society Support in the MENA Region: Algeria, Palestine and Lebanon
Conclusion
PART II Algerian Civil Society and Relations with the State
Chapter 3 Historical Perspectives on Civil Society in Algeria
Traditional Civil Society and the Impact of Colonialism
Civil Society in an Independent Algeria
Democratic Opening and the Black Decade
Conclusion
Chapter 4 Civil Society and the State
State-Society Relations and the Failure of Dialogue
The Arab Spring, Associative Action and State Responses
Civil Society and the 2012 Law on Associations
Conclusion
Chapter 5 Associations in Algeria
A New Typology of Associations
The Regional Focus of Algerian Associations
The Sector Focus of Algerian Associations
Conclusion
Chapter 6 Algerian Associations Protecting the Past
Heritage Associations in Algeria
Associations and Urban History
Preserving Roman History in Algeria
Algeria's Archaeological Past
Religious Heritage and Traditions
Conclusion
Chapter 7 Algerian Associations and Social Welfare
Social Sector Associations in Algeria
Social Work, Disability and New Voices in Oran
Contesting State Provision in Kabylia
Associations, Faith and Health Care in El Oued
Dealing with Trauma
Conclusion
PART III Donors, Democracy and the Language of Others
Chapter 8 Europe, Civil Society and Democracy in Algeria
European Diplomacy in Algeria
European Union Programmes in Algeria
European Support to Algerian civil society
Conclusion
Chapter 9. Language and the Construction of Civil Society
The Performative Effect of Language
Historical Narratives
Language Policies and the Public Sphere
Conclusion
Conclusion
Notes
Bibliography