A recent study by researcher Al-Shalil Al-Shalil, titled "Islamists and Governance in Morocco and Tunisia: A Comparative Study," indicates that the experience of Islamists in governance did not meet their expectations. Islamist movements encountered substantial challenges when moving from opposition to power, resulting in their failure to fulfill their promises.
The study examines the impact of different political contexts in Tunisia and Morocco on the behavior of Islamist movements, highlighting how Ennahda in Tunisia faced significant difficulties in managing the state after the collapse of the previous regime, while Justice and Development Party in Morocco managed to come to power through gradual reforms.
Details of the Event
The thesis is based on an in-depth analysis of the experiences of Islamist movements in governance, illustrating that the moment of the Arab Spring served as a redistribution of power, allowing Islamists an opportunity to enter the political arena. However, this opportunity was not sufficient to bridge the gap between theory and practice.
The study reveals that despite their engagement in political work, Islamists struggled to adapt to the requirements of governance, leading to a decline in their popularity. The researcher pointed out that the experience of Islamists in governance exposed a gap between ideological discourse and political reality.
Background & Context
The roots of political Islam trace back to religious reform movements in the 19th century, evolving from attempts to reconcile with modernity into political organizations. With the rise of Islamists following the Arab Spring, they faced new challenges related to managing the modern state.
These challenges pertain to the nature of the state itself, as the researcher argues that the emergence of the nation-state in the Arab world came at the expense of societal diversity, creating a gap between the state and society. This gap allowed Islamist movements to present themselves as true representatives of social identity.
Impact & Consequences
The Tunisian and Moroccan experiences demonstrate that the behavior of Islamists in governance is significantly influenced by the political context in which they operate. In Tunisia, Ennahda faced substantial challenges after transitioning from opposition to governance, leading to sharp polarization within society.
In Morocco, the Justice and Development Party managed to adapt to the existing system, making it more pragmatic and less confrontational. However, this adaptation did not guarantee its ability to fully implement its program, resulting in a decline in its popularity.
Regional Significance
The experience of Islamists in governance in Tunisia and Morocco illustrates that reaching power is not sufficient for achieving change. It requires tools, expertise, and the ability to adapt to political and economic realities. Additionally, Islamists faced pressures from their grassroots, who expected significant promises to be fulfilled.
Ultimately, the study raises questions about the future of political Islam in the Arab world, as these movements must reframe their discourse and develop their tools to meet the needs of society.