The State of Algeria

The Politics of a Post-Colonial Legacy

Algeria's current politics are influenced by its colonial period under the French to an extent not seen in other North African and Middle Eastern states. Indeed, Malika Rebai Maamri argues that Algeria's postcolonial history and politics are, in fact, a series of attempts to come to terms with the dire consequences of this colonial past. With over half a century having passed since independence, the country is still struggling to create a unified Algerian identity, and any discussion on the concept highlights how, all too frequently, the concept of identity can serve as a form of exclusion. Exploring a wide range of issues in Algerian society, such as the political, cultural social, economic and gender relations, Rebai Maamri shows how belonging and citizenship are produced and perceived. In doing so, she offers in-depth analysis of a country which is often side-lined in the study of the Middle East and North Africa, and yet is a vital component in the search for a post-colonial identity and state in the region.

'Dr Rebai Maamri bravely tackles a broad range of themes in her analysis of Algeria's struggle with its post-colonial legacy, including women, Berbers and emigrants to France. The result is a fascinating and valuable contribution to understanding complex questions of citizenship, identity and marginalization in post-colonial Algeria. This is a very welcome addition from an Algerian academic to the literature on citizenship and the post-colonial period in North Africa.'
-- Robert Lowe, Middle East Centre, London School of Economics and Political Science