Tunisia in Context: Local, Regional and International Dynamics under Kais Saied

Caught between the longstanding policy of externalising migration management to third states and the promise of supporting political transitions, democracy, human rights and good governance in Europe’s neighbourhood, the EU’s policy towards Tunisia has recently faced difficult choices. While the renewed European urgency approach to Tunisia may be justified given the looming risk of economic collapse facing the North African country, little or no consideration has been given to the country’s political and institutional trajectory, where mounting authoritarianism and an increasingly dysfunctional management of the economy risk further undermining the few potentials of an EU-Tunisia engagement for a comprehensive partnership. Given this context, and with a focus on examining the local, regional and international dynamics shaping Tunisia’s recent challenges and opportunities, the volume seeks to enhance comprehension of the country’s numerous social, political, economic and governance obstacles in the near to medium future and to cultivate a greater understanding within Europe of the complexities inherent in Tunisia’s turbulent transition.