The Toppling of Ben Ali: Isolated Development or First Domino? Comparable Challenges - Varying Conditions

The authors compare the socio-political situation in Tunesia before the fall of the country’s President with that of neighbouring Arab states. The analysis shows that although economic conditions are comparable in most of the Maghreb and Arab countries, republics such as Algeria, Libya, Egypt or Syria are more unstable than monarchies like Morocco or Jordan – as underlined by recent developments in Egypt. The tense situation in the regionthe paper states, might be an opportunity for the EU and its member states to establish a new consensus about the objectives of the future policy towards the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership.