State Vs. Civil Society: The Politics of Inequality in North Africa

This paper critically examines the relationship between civil society and inequality in North Africa, focusing on the role of civil society organizations (CSOs) within authoritarian and transitional regimes. The main argument suggests that the role and effectiveness of CSOs are heavily influenced by the political context, where authoritarian regimes often suppress or co-opt civil society to maintain control, contributing to social and economic inequality. The research aims to explore how this dynamic perpetuates inequality in the region and asks: How do authoritarian regimes in North Africa impact the development and role of civil society? How does the relationship between the state and civil society influence inequality?

The methodology includes a comparative case study of North African countries, employing qualitative and quantitative data from government reports, CSO publications, and international indices. Through this analysis, the paper highlights the dialectical relationship between the state and civil society, referencing theories from Hegel, Marx, and Gramsci to frame the evolving roles of CSOs. These theoretical perspectives offer insights into how state dominance marginalizes civil society, reinforcing social hierarchies and limiting the political engagement necessary to challenge inequality.

Findings indicate that civil society has struggled to function independently in countries like Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco due to state interference, leading to weakened social movements and diminished public trust. The state's overreach hinders CSOs' advocacy efforts and exacerbates economic and social inequalities by limiting citizens' access to essential services and political participation. The paper concludes that a stronger, more independent civil society could counter authoritarianism, fostering greater equality and democratic governance in the region.