Populism and Competition in Islamic Organizations: The Case of Tunisia

• In Event: Poster Session: Religion and Politics & Political Networks
  In Poster Session: Poster Session: Religion and the State

Abstract

Tunisia’s political scene after the Arab Uprisings witnessed a surge in the activity and political representation of Islamic organizations including political parties. Although Ennahdha seems to have a lead in terms of religious-based movement, the nature of the political system of proportional representation in Tunisia gave rise to different other political parties and social movements that share ideological underpinnings with Ennahdha yet disagree on different fronts, ideas, and stances. Political parties such as Hizb ut-Tahrir (Islamic Liberation of Party) and Tayar Al Mahaba (The Love Stream) were founded and are led by previous Ennahdha affiliates following conflicts and disagreements around the progressive inclines of Ennahdha. Each Islamic organization appeals to their grassroots and hopes to recruit more followers. Focusing on the Islamic religious organizations (including political parties) in Tunisia, this paper examines the intra-religious competition among religious leaders, groups, and organization through delegitimation processes that aim to denounce each other’s religious approaches and political strategies. Using a discourse analysis of political statements, semi-structured interviews, and archival research, the paper looks at the different discursive frames and political strategies these actors use to undermine the arguments and actions of the others. The project aims to introduce a novel theoretical framework on Islamic religious competition strategies, grassroots mobilization, and transnational networks. This study has important implications for the studies of religion and politics, democratization, and security studies in conflict-torn regions subject to security challenges.

Authors

• Fatma Jabbari, The School of Conflict Analysis and Resolution, George Mason University

• Nukhet Ahu Sandal, Ohio University