2012年-CEPS欧洲政策研究中心_Political_Islam_in_Algeria_14页_146kb

Summary of "Political Islam in Algeria"

Core Content

This working document by Amel Boubekeur explores the evolution of Islamist political parties in Algeria, particularly the Movement of Society for Peace (MSP) and the National Reform Movement (MNR), and their changing relationship with democratic mechanisms and the European Union (EU). It highlights the complex dynamics of Algerian Islamism, which has shifted from revolutionary activism to a more moderate and state-cooperative stance since the 1990s. The paper also examines how Algerian Islamists view the EU's democratic promotion policies and their potential for collaboration.

Main Points

1. Evolution of Islamist Parties in Algeria

• MSP (Movement of Society for Peace):

  • Founded in 1990 by Mahfoud Nahnah.
  • Initially a clandestine organization, it became part of the official opposition in the 1990s.
  • Changed its name from Hamas to MSP in 1997 after a law banned ideological use of Islam.
  • Now part of the Presidential Alliance with the FLN and RND.
  • Has held several ministerial portfolios since 2002.

• MNR (National Reform Movement):

  • Founded in 1999 by Abdallah Djaballah.
  • Emerged from the Islamic Renaissance Movement (an-Nahda), which had close ties to the banned FIS.
  • Has 43 seats in parliament and is considered the leader of Islamist parties in Algeria.
  • Maintains a pro-nationalist stance and defends Islamic identity as central to Algeria's political and social structure.

• Shift in Ideology:

  • Both parties have moved away from revolutionary Islamism towards a more pragmatic, state-cooperative approach.
  • They now focus on defending Islamic virtue and morals rather than advocating for an Islamic state.
  • They participate in democratic processes while maintaining their distinct Islamic identity.

2. Activities with European Muslims

• Algerian Islamists are increasingly involved in European political and social spaces.
• Many left Algeria after the 1992 electoral crisis and settled in France, Germany, and Belgium.
• They use European Islamic structures such as the Union of Islamic Organisations of France (UOIF) to promote Muslim rights and engage in interfaith dialogue.
• These parties aim to mobilize Algerian expatriates and their children, known as beurs, in European elections.
• They see Europe as a platform for cultural and political engagement, not just a place of exile.

3. Failure of Europe as a Democratic Model

• Algerian Islamists view the EU's democratic promotion policies with skepticism, especially in light of the EU's support for the Algerian military regime during the 1990s.
• They criticize the EU for exporting a secular model of democracy that does not account for Islamic values and identities.
• They argue that the EU's policies often exclude Islamist actors and fail to recognize their legitimacy.
• There is a growing sentiment that the EU's democracy promotion is more about maintaining stability and security interests than fostering genuine democratic change.
• Many Algerian Islamists advocate for an 'Islamic democracy' that integrates European democratic principles with Islamic values, rather than a direct copy of the Western model.

4. Areas of Potential Collaboration with Europe

• Despite their criticism, Algerian Islamists see opportunities for collaboration with the EU, particularly in areas of mutual interest.
• They emphasize the need for a dialogue that respects Islamic political and social values, rather than imposing a Western framework.
• They advocate for the inclusion of Islamic concepts such as shura (consultation), respect for law, and moral values in EU democracy promotion efforts.
• They suggest that the EU should focus on supporting civil society and reformers rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all model of democracy.
• Collaboration could be based on shared goals such as promoting human rights, cultural dialogue, and interfaith understanding, rather than on ideological conformity.

Key Information

• The MSP and MNR are two of the most influential Islamist parties in Algeria, having evolved from clandestine revolutionary groups to legal, state-cooperative parties.
• The EU's past support for the Algerian military regime has led to a deep mistrust among Algerian Islamists.
• Algerian Islamists are increasingly active in Europe, both in terms of advocacy and political engagement.
• They advocate for an 'Islamic democracy' that integrates Islamic and European values, but not a direct replication of the Western model.
• There is a call for the EU to reconsider its democracy promotion policies and to engage with Arab civil society in a more inclusive and respectful manner.

Conclusion

The paper underscores the need for the EU to understand the complex and evolving nature of Algerian Islamism and to adjust its policies accordingly. By recognizing the legitimacy of Islamic political thought and engaging in a more culturally sensitive dialogue, the EU may foster more effective and sustainable democratic development in the region.