Now four years old, the Arab Spring has brought people in North Africa more freedom, diversity and social and political participation. For the region's inhabitants, however, it has also meant numerous conflicts, less security and, despite greater opportunity overall, fewer jobs. For people living in the countries bordering the Mediterranean, the upheaval has proven disruptive and overwhelming. Despite that, many societies in the Arab world are successfully introducing democratic processes and market principles tempered by social justice.
The Bertelsmann Stiftung's current issue of "spotlight europe" focuses on developments in North Africa. Author Christian-Peter Hanelt profiles the region's countries, which are searching for national identities and ways to legitimize state power. One example is Egypt, where the overthrow of one leader in 2011 has now resulted in yet another ouster and the return of the country’s former political elite. Hanelt also writes that North African nations continue to face major economic challenges, since the political conflicts there have reversed recently achieved economic gains. The overall mood is also burdened by unrealized modernization and reform efforts, inefficient political governance and widespread corruption.
Another issue addressed by Hanelt is how Europe can support reform processes in North Africa. Despite misunderstandings and difficulties, he writes, Europe is headed in the right direction with the assistance it is providing to promote transformation. Politically, he notes, it could even get involved to a greater degree.
The complete analysis is available in the 2014/01 issue of "spotlight Europe," which can be downloaded as PDF file below.
