The Battlefield

Algeria 1988–2002: Studies in a Broken Polity

Nonfiction, History, Africa
Cover of the book The Battlefield by Hugh Roberts, Verso Books
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Hugh Roberts ISBN: 9781786630643
Publisher: Verso Books Publication: April 25, 2017
Imprint: Verso Language: English
Author: Hugh Roberts
ISBN: 9781786630643
Publisher: Verso Books
Publication: April 25, 2017
Imprint: Verso
Language: English

The violence that has ravaged Algeria has often defied explanation. Regularly invoked in debates about political Islam, transitions to democracy, globalization, and the right of humanitarian interference, Algeria’s tragedy has been reduced to a clash of stereotypes: Islamists vs. a secular state, terrorists vs. innocent civilians, or generals vs. a defenseless society. The prevalence of such simplistic representations has disabled public opinion inside as well as outside the country and contributed to the intractability of the conflict.

This collection of essays offers a radical corrective to Western misconceptions. Rejecting the usual tautological approaches of inherent, predetermined conflict, Hugh Roberts explores the outlook and evolution of the various internal forces as they emerged—the Islamists, the Berberists, the factions within the army, and the regime in general—and he looks at external interests and actors. He explains their strategies and the maneuvers in which they have engaged. The resulting analyses illuminate the startling dynamics of the conflict and the real issues at stake, and identify the implications not only for Algeria but also for this crucial region.

Informed by a deep knowledge of Algeria and Algerian history, these accessible essays guide the reader through the extraordinary politics of the drama in all its complexity.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The violence that has ravaged Algeria has often defied explanation. Regularly invoked in debates about political Islam, transitions to democracy, globalization, and the right of humanitarian interference, Algeria’s tragedy has been reduced to a clash of stereotypes: Islamists vs. a secular state, terrorists vs. innocent civilians, or generals vs. a defenseless society. The prevalence of such simplistic representations has disabled public opinion inside as well as outside the country and contributed to the intractability of the conflict.

This collection of essays offers a radical corrective to Western misconceptions. Rejecting the usual tautological approaches of inherent, predetermined conflict, Hugh Roberts explores the outlook and evolution of the various internal forces as they emerged—the Islamists, the Berberists, the factions within the army, and the regime in general—and he looks at external interests and actors. He explains their strategies and the maneuvers in which they have engaged. The resulting analyses illuminate the startling dynamics of the conflict and the real issues at stake, and identify the implications not only for Algeria but also for this crucial region.

Informed by a deep knowledge of Algeria and Algerian history, these accessible essays guide the reader through the extraordinary politics of the drama in all its complexity.

More books from Verso Books

Cover of the book An Ecology of World Literature by Hugh Roberts
Cover of the book The Retreat from Class by Hugh Roberts
Cover of the book The Zad and NoTAV by Hugh Roberts
Cover of the book The Ministry of Nostalgia by Hugh Roberts
Cover of the book Municipal Dreams by Hugh Roberts
Cover of the book Resources of Hope by Hugh Roberts
Cover of the book The Right to Have Rights by Hugh Roberts
Cover of the book I'm With the Bears by Hugh Roberts
Cover of the book Liberals and Cannibals by Hugh Roberts
Cover of the book The Age of Jihad by Hugh Roberts
Cover of the book Historical Capitalism by Hugh Roberts
Cover of the book The Death and Life of American Labor by Hugh Roberts
Cover of the book After Geoengineering by Hugh Roberts
Cover of the book Derek Bailey and the Story of Free Improvisation by Hugh Roberts
Cover of the book Europe's Fault Lines by Hugh Roberts
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy