Climate-Related Migration: Formulating a Contemporary Framework

This article elaborates on the theoretical foundations as well as the empirical outputs of climaterelated migration and formulates a contemporary framework in analyzing this subject. There has been a paradigm shift from securitizing climate-related migration towards an emphasis on adaptation, resilience and justice. While it is still possible to talk about security-oriented discourses based on the realist approach, climate change has increasingly been recognized as a threat multiplier rather than a sole primary threat. In the meantime, the liberal approach has embraced adaptation, resilience and climate justice discourses about climate refugees. On the empirical front, climate-related migration is observed mainly in South Asia, the Pacific and Africa

Challenges to and Prospects for Democratization in Tunisia since the Jasmine Revolution

14 January 2022 marked the 11thanniversary of the ‘Jasmine Revolution’ in Tunisia which triggered widespreaduprisings in the Arab world, commonly known as the Arab Spring. Starting at thecenter of Tunisia, Sidi Bouzid, in December 2010, a wave of uprisings spread toother Arab states in a short time raising expectations for a breaking point inthe ‘Arab exceptionalism’ paradigm with respect to democratization. Unfoldingof widespread protests in the Arab states diverged, some states ending up withpolitical concessions by the ruling elites, some others with deposed leaders orcivil wars. Overall, the outcomes in the form of increased insecurity,political polarization, instability, return to authoritarian rule and economicchallenges led to the lowering of expectations, except for the case of Tunisia.Tunisia is viewed as the only Arab state, which has taken positive steps in itsdemocratic transition in the aftermath of its regime change holding the promiseof hope. This study seeks to analyze the democratic transition process in post-revolutionaryTunisia with a particular attention to the challenges and prospects fordemocratization in the country. Tunisia was able to hold free and fairelections for its constituent assembly in 2011, which was then followed byparliamentary and presidential elections in 2014 and 2019. Political actorswere also able to introduce a new, liberal constitution in 2014 with the strongand persistent support of the Tunisian civil society. Even though itstransition process has not been smooth, Tunisia has been able to survive mostof the challenges. However, while celebrated as the ‘success story’ of the ArabSpring, Tunisia has been facing one of its most serious political crises sincethe summer of 2021. By late July 2021, Tunisian President Kais Saied dismissedthe government, suspended the parliament and expanded his powers, and statedthat he was responding to the political impasse and economic problems in thecountry. Saied’s move has sparked fears that Tunisia would be losing itsdemocratic gains.&nbsp; In this regard,Tunisia is facing a critical test for its young democracy. This bumpydemocratic transition road Tunisia has been travelling since the revolutionconstitutes the focus of this study. &nbsp;Keywords:Tunisia, Arab Spring, Democratization,Jasmine Revolution, Middle East and North Africa (MENA)</p