Following the resignation of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika under pressure from the street, analyses of political change in Algeria have primarily focused on the domestic processes of transition and paid relatively less attention to the influence they might have on changes in the country’s foreign policy. As the country moves towards a change of leadership, a new generation of politicians will emerge with the demise of the so-called "Old Guard." These developments have raised questions about whether these changes will affect the country’s future positions on regional and international issues in general. The recent maneuvers of Algerian diplomacy enable strategic shifts to be observed and the scope of foreign policy change—or continuity—to be assessed. The main question, however, is how Algeria’s foreign policy will fair in the country’s new political era. Should there be basic and serious changes in foreign policy orientation? The present article is written with the aim of shedding light on the foreign policy of Algeria following the recent uprising and analyses the possible diplomatic directions that the change might bring in response to public demands.
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
2. THE DOCTRINAL PRINCIPLES OF THE ALGERIAN FOREIGN POLICY
2.1 The Militant Legacy
2.2 A Doctrine in Disarray
2.3 Challenges in the Aftermath of the Cold War
2.4 Revival and the End of Isolation
2.5 Inertia in a Moving World: Crisis between Principles and Interests
3. THE CENTERS OF ALGERIAN FOREIGN POLICY DECISION-MAKING
3.1 The Presidency
3.2 The Military Institution
3.3 The Ruling Elite and National Interest
3.4 The Military’s Involvement in Foreign Policy
4. A NEW PARADIGM
4.1 An Importunate Environment
4.2 Ascendancy Frustrated
4.3 Crossing the Rubicon: The Immediate Challenge
4.4 Restoring Roles and Revitalizing Diplomatic Dexterity
5. PERSPECTIVES OF THE ‘HIRAK’ ABOUT FOREIGN POLICY
5.1 The Hirak Dynamic
5.2 President Tebboune Outlines Algeria’s ‘New’ Foreign Policy
5.3 Back on Stage: The Road Map
6. CONCLUSION
Objectives and Core Topics
This study explores the prospects for change or continuity in Algerian foreign policy following the Hirak movement and the departure of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika. It examines how domestic shifts, evolving security threats, and the influence of the military elite impact Algeria's diplomatic orientation, aiming to determine whether the nation will maintain its traditional non-interventionist doctrine or adopt a more assertive regional role.
- Evolution of Algerian foreign policy principles since independence.
- Evaluation of the influence of the military and political elite on decision-making.
- Impact of the Hirak movement on systemic and foreign policy demands.
- Analysis of Algeria's shifting geopolitical stance in North Africa and the Sahel.
- Assessment of the tension between traditional non-interference and new security imperatives.
Excerpt from the Book
The Militant Legacy
Algeria chose a foreign policy based on irreversible ideological principles: the right of peoples to self-determination; non-interference in the internal affairs of states; peaceful conflict resolution; good neighborliness; and non-interventionism or meddling in the affairs of other nations. Almost all Algerian constitutions (1963, 1976, 1989, and 1996) define clearly the essential ideas governing Algerian foreign policy. The National Council of the Algerian Revolution adopted the Tripoli Charter in June 1962,¹ which largely outlined these. It largely supports the liberation movements and the fight against colonialism. Furthermore, the concepts of non-alignment and non-interference beyond Algeria’s boundaries were adopted into the 1976 Constitution and the 1989 Constitution, respectively.
Algerian foreign policy was conceptualized primarily as a component of three spaces: the Maghreb, Arab, and African domains (National Charter 1976, p. 934). The first Constitution of Algeria was adopted in 1963, and former President Houari Boumédiène stated, “The [Maghreb] area from Cairo to Senegal is a security zone for Algeria, and there can be no change in this territory without an agreement with Algeria” (Hermasi, 1987, p. 136). With the progressive incorporation of the Mediterranean in the 1996 Constitution,² this positioned the country as an important component of these three rings. Algeria’s support of international cooperation and the establishment of cordial ties among states based on equality, mutual interest, and the acceptance of the United Nations Charter were highlighted in the latter - Art. 28, CH III (The Algerian Constitution of 1996, p 4).
Summary of Chapters
INTRODUCTION: Sets the theoretical stage by discussing the tension between revolutionary change and the continuity of foreign policy traditions amidst international constraints.
THE DOCTRINAL PRINCIPLES OF THE ALGERIAN FOREIGN POLICY: Details the historical foundations of Algerian diplomatic thought, emphasizing non-alignment, support for liberation movements, and territorial security zones.
THE CENTERS OF ALGERIAN FOREIGN POLICY DECISION-MAKING: Investigates the institutional actors, specifically the presidency and the military, that compete to influence and define foreign policy outcomes.
A NEW PARADIGM: Analyzes the challenges posed by a fluid regional environment and the necessity for Algeria to reconcile its rigid non-interference policy with emerging security threats.
PERSPECTIVES OF THE ‘HIRAK’ ABOUT FOREIGN POLICY: Examines the influence of the popular Hirak movement on systemic expectations, including slogans calling for an end to subordinate foreign standing.
CONCLUSION: Summarizes the findings, noting a cautious move toward pragmatism while maintaining foundational principles amidst internal and external pressures.
Keywords
Algeria, foreign policy, change or continuity, Hirak, military influence, non-intervention, regional security, North Africa, Sahel, national interest, geopolitics, non-alignment, Bouteflika, Tebboune, diplomatic strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this analysis?
The work examines the evolution of Algeria's foreign policy in the aftermath of the Hirak movement and the political leadership transition, focusing on whether these shifts signify fundamental change or persistent continuity.
What are the primary themes discussed?
Central themes include the doctrinal foundations of Algerian diplomacy, the interaction between different power centers like the presidency and the military, and the country's strategic responses to regional instability.
What is the research goal of this document?
The primary aim is to shed light on how Algeria's diplomatic direction may adjust to modern public demands and shifting regional dynamics while adhering to its post-colonial military and ideological legacy.
Which scientific methodology is applied?
This study employs a political-historical analysis, drawing on constitutional documents, scholarly works on international relations, and assessments of administrative decision-making processes.
What topics are covered in the main body?
The main body treats the historical militant legacy, the institutional decision-making structures, the shifting geopolitical landscape involving power actors like France and Russia, and the impact of the Hirak on governance.
Which keywords characterize this work?
Key terms include Algeria, foreign policy, change or continuity, Hirak, military influence, non-intervention, regional security, North Africa, Sahel, and national interest.
How does the military influence foreign policy in "New Algeria"?
The military acts as a custodian of national interests, with constitutional changes now enabling it to conduct operations beyond national borders, thereby taking a more pronounced role in regional and international portfolios.
To what extent has the Hirak movement forced a change in diplomatic stance?
While the Hirak primarily demanded domestic structural changes and an end to corruption, it fostered a public discourse that criticized the previous regime's perceived subservience to the French-European axis, pushing for a more assertive, sovereignty-focused diplomatic stance.
- Quote paper
- Dr. Abdelkrim Dekhakhena (Author), 2022, Prospects for Algerian Foreign Policy after the Hirak, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1355103
