1. Introduction

This chapter provides the theoretical framework and methodology of the book’s analysis and a summary of the 2011 revolution in Tunisia and an overview of the country’s political economy. The chapter introduces the findings of the 2002 Arab Human Development Report (AHDR) and explains how it is relevant to the analysis. An overview of the political economy of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is described. The layout of the book and brief descriptions of the chapters are provided. While most of the MENA countries suffer from political and economic problems and deficiencies, in some cases manifesting themselves in violent conflicts, Tunisia has maintained stability throughout its post-revolution transitions, notwithstanding serious obstacles and tribulations. Tunisia is the “outlier,” or the anomaly in the region. This book examines the reasons behind Tunisia’s uniqueness, which primarily pertains to its commitment to national dialogue.