Are new forms of activism emerging in Algeria? Can civil society effect political reform? The violence during the 1990s civil war resulted in significant loss of life and mass exile, rendering the public sphere perilous for over a decade. Despite these conditions, civil society flourished, with thousands of associations formed to protect human rights, commemorate the deceased, and promote Algerian heritage. Today, there are over 93,000 registered associations. Amid ongoing social, economic, and political turbulence, new networks continue to emerge, and organized demonstrations have increased since the Arab revolts of 2011. This examination of recent developments scrutinizes the role of associations in promoting political reform and democratization in Algeria. Drawing on extensive fieldwork conducted before and after the Arab Spring, it illustrates how these associations challenge government policies in the public sphere. Algeria is becoming increasingly significant for the stability and future peaceful relations in the Middle East and North Africa. This analysis reveals new forms of activism that confront the powerful state, serving as a valuable resource for specialists in Algeria and scholars studying political reform and democratization in the region.
