Avoiding Islamic radicalization in Algeria and Morocco : contradictions and consent in the Maghrebi STATE

Dissertant

Beaurpere, Guillaume N.

Thesis advisor

Sater, James

Comitee Members

Kalpakian, Jack Vahram

University

Al Akhawayn University

Faculty

School of Humanities and Social Sciences

Department

North African and Middle Eastern Studies

University Country

Morocco

Degree

Master

Degree Date

2006

English Abstract

States in the Maghreb are faced with complex and oftentimes ambiguous Islamist opposition, often characterized by a variety of ideological motives, political tactics, and popular influences.

The radicalization of these movements leads to internal crisis and power struggles, which threatens both the stability of the regime and the region.

The question this study asks is how Maghrebi states are able to avoid the radicalization of Islamic fundamentalism.

This study draws on the cases of Morocco and Algeria to emphasize that the radical Islamic threat stems from internal and inevitable contradictions linked to identity crisis, and socio-economic and political exclusions.

In evaluating the strategies used by Morocco and Algeria we discover renewed emphasis on a Gramscian form of ideological hegemony manifested in policies of consent and coercion.

The contradictions themselves do not necessarily have to be directly resolved so long as the state achieves some form of consensus from within.

In fact, we suggest that the contradictions probably serve to bolster the hegemony of the state rather than to obstruct it.

Main Subjects

Religion
Political Sciences
Islamic Studies

Topics

• Islam
• Jihad
• Radicalism
• Political violence
• International relations
• Foreign policy
• Terrorism
• Political aspects
• North Africa
• Morocco
• Algeria
• Islamic fundamentalism
• Religious aspects

No. of Pages

136

Table of Contents

• APA
• MLA
• AMA

Language

English

Data Type

Arab Theses

Record ID

BIM-590657