6. Secularism Versus Political Islam: The Case of Tunisia

This chapter explores the unique dynamics of political negotiations and compromises between “secularists” and “Islamists” in Tunisian politics in the post-2011 revolution era. This aspect of post-revolution Tunisia has signified the greatest achievement of an Arab state in the modern era and places Tunisia on a pedestal of non-violent activism to achieve consensus.

The attempts to balance the opposing interests and values of the secularists and Islamists have been extremely challenging for the Tunisian government and people. The very national character, identity, and ideology of the country are at stake, and both sides are competing for securing the ideological mantle at the national level. Tremendous credit goes to Tunisia’s Islamist political party, Ennahda, for volunteering to step down from power, rather than stubbornly prolonging the political crisis, and this gesture, along with building national consensus, has accounted for Tunisia’s non-violent political change. Given that all other Arab Awakening countries in the MENA region have fallen into violent chaos at various levels, Tunisia stands out as the anomaly and an ideal example for the rest of the region to follow.