Political Transitions and New Socioeconomic Bargains in North Africa

Political Transitions and New Socioeconomic Bargains in North Africa takes an in-depth look at the processes that must accompany North Africa’s transition. Specifically, it is argued that national bargaining must be pursued in order to achieve a socio-economic pact that is acceptable to the various segments of the population. New socio-economic bargains legitimize emerging democracies and temper—through a shared growth, inclusive economic policy approach— the volatile conditions of economic crisis, exploding demands and social conflict that often characterizes the breakdown of authoritarian regimes. Drawing on lessons from other regions, the paper concludes that neo-corporatism can help North African countries avoid the usual pitfalls that accompany transition.