Description
Since 22 February 2019, Algerians have peacefully mobilised on an unprecedented scale for democracy. Known as the Hirak, massive weekly marches of millions led to President Bouteflika standing down, politicians, and the former secret services head being arrested and tried for corruption. Largely ignored in the West, this phenomenal mobilisation led to a previously unthinkable challenge to the hegemony of the Bouteflika regime and the structural inequalities it represented. Ensuing has been a rethinking of political life in Algeria, of the potential for political transformation and of new frames for understanding state-society relations. Despite a divisive and contested presidential election in December 2019, the Hirak has continued to unite civil society on the underlying goals of the movement related to democracy. Despite being leaderless (or perhaps because of this) the Hirak has lasted longer than any other social movement in the region, and it has until now remained for the most part peaceful. How and why have Algerians in 2019 managed to take on such a powerful regime, without violence, despite deep frustrations and a history of violent political change? What are the implications for future democratic reform and political activism in Algeria? Using constructivist approaches to understanding the postcolonial regime and drawing on in-depth fieldwork in Algeria with civil society organisations over the last decade, this paper will analyse the implications of the Hirak for democracy, nationalism and political legitimacy in Algeria.
