Post-revolutionary discontent and f(r)actionalisation in the Maghreb

For decades, Tunisia and Libya have had a long-established and mutually profitable interdependence. In particular, the population from the border regions, due to their long marginalisation from central economic flows and power, had to create the conditions for their own economic survival. In that context, the informal cross-border economy has developed significantly, with tolerance from central states and local control by community leaders. 

Since the 2011 so-called ‘Jasmine Revolution’ in Tunisia and the 2011 fall of Colonel Gaddafi in Libya, the two countries have experienced an unprecedented security deterioration. This report from Clingendael examines how these two countries might be able to address the root causes of their post-revolutionary instability and prevent further destabilisation of the buffer border regions in the near future. It emphasises a continued focus on the understanding of local needs and enhancing bottom-up initiatives able to address the multifaceted causes of instability.