Global East-West Geopolitical Briefing

by Hichem Karoui

Considerations About Nations’ Greatness and Obliviousness

Given Tunisia’s confusing and unhappy circumstances, some readers may need clarification on my title. But I’m talking about simple historical truths. As a social scientist, I am more interested in long-term changes than in short-term political events that are only interesting to the media. For example, I’ve been to China numerous times. Each time, I was impressed by two notions that have become large slogans posted practically everywhere, from subway stations to bookstore shelves. I mean: “China Dream” and “China Rejuvenation”.

China is a country with millennia of history. It endured a hundred years of humiliation before deciding to rise anew. When it happened, the Chinese did not consider replicating their history (as certain Arab-Muslim leaders did) because doing so would be foolish. Time is an evolutionary process, not a regressive one. So, how can we feed the dream of a great nation? Simply revitalising whatever is valuable enough to be an inspiration model from the past. That’s a good lesson for old countries with ancient civilisation, like Tunisia, Egypt, Yemen, Iraq, Syria, etc.

No great nation has ever sprung from nothing. Those who established the United States were European migrants who brought centuries of culture with them. Those who developed contemporary China have many thousand years of ancestry in their genomes. Those who established modern Japan, South Korea, Singapore, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, and Italy all descended from some of history’s greatest civilisations. In this light, while certain countries, such as Egypt, Tunisia, Yemen, Syria, and Iraq, appear to be suffering from complicated challenges that make them appear lost in a dismal scenario, we should not forget that they all were once great nations. Great nations do not vanish. They may have had high and low points in their lives. Still, ultimately, they are most likely to reappear and continue their part in history if they know how to connect with their prestigious past to get inspired, not mimic it. Getting inspired by a great model makes the nation progress. Trying to emulate it could end up as a tragedy, breeding fanaticism and terror. We have many examples that attest to this.

Tunisia is a country that is rich in culture and history. It has a bright future ahead and is on the path to success. With recent developments in the country, it is clear that Tunisia is headed towards progress and prosperity.

Historically, Tunisia is not an Arab country but has been gradually arabised since the Arab-Muslim conquest of Northern Africa

The country was inhabited by indigenous Berbers since early antiquity. Phoenicians began to arrive in the 12th century BC, establishing several settlements, of which Carthage emerged as the most powerful by the 7th century BC. Byzantine rule in Tunisia lasted till 698. In that year, the Arabs took Carthage. During the 19th century, European influence increased in Tunisia. Tunisia became a French protectorate in 1881 and achieved independence in 1956.

Ancient Tunisia was a hub of creative thinkers, statesmen, and influencers whose legacies still echo today. Apuleius of Madaura, a philosopher who wrote extensively on Platonic philosophy and the supernatural, and Carthaginian general Hannibal, who commanded efficient military operations against Rome, are two notable people. Hannibal is renowned for his bold stratagem against Rome during the Second Punic War and his march across the Alps with war elephants. In his book Almagest, an ancient Tunisian mathematician, astronomer, and geographer, Claudius Ptolemy, wrote a thorough depiction of the cosmos. Also, there were the Numidian military commander Jugurtha and the Roman writer Sallust.

To summarise, here are five significant figures everybody heard about. Those five have indeed influenced history in their time and even beyond.

Dido (c. 814-763 BC): a legendary Carthaginian queen. She built Carthage after escaping her home in Tyre, according to tradition.
Hannibal Barca: a Carthaginian general regarded as one of history’s greatest military leaders. He is primarily remembered for defeating the Roman army in the Battle of Cannae in 216 BC.
The first Roman emperor, Augustus (63 BC-AD 14), was born in Tunisia and controlled the Roman Empire for over 40 years.
Saint Augustine (354-430 AD): a pivotal philosopher and theologian in forming Western Christianity. He was born in what is now Algeria and spent several years in Tunisia.
Ibn Khaldun: a historian, sociologist, and philosopher from 1332 until 1406 AD. He is widely regarded as the father of contemporary sociology and history.

We should add the great leader of independent Tunisia to these five influencers.

Bourguiba: Father of Modern Tunisia

Habib Bourguiba was a modernist leader who led Tunisia to independence from France in 1956. He was the first president of the Tunisian Republic and ruled the country until he was deposed by General Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali in 1987. Bourguiba was a controversial figure, but he is widely considered the father of modern Tunisia.
Bourguiba was born in Monastir, Tunisia, in 1903. He studied law in France and became involved in nationalist politics as a student. In 1934, he founded the Neo-Destour Party, which campaigned for Tunisian independence. Bourguiba was arrested and exiled by the French several times but continued leading the independence movement.
In 1954, Bourguiba and the Neo-Destour Party signed an agreement with France that granted Tunisia internal autonomy. However, France maintained control over Tunisia’s foreign affairs and military. In 1956, Bourguiba led a campaign of civil disobedience against French rule. This campaign was successful, and Tunisia gained full independence from France on March 20, 1956.
Bourguiba became the first president of Tunisia. He ruled the country for 31 years until he was overthrown in a bloodless coup in 1987. Bourguiba was a moderniser who sought to transform Tunisia into a secular, Western-style state. He introduced several reforms, including women’s suffrage, girls’ education, and polygamy’s abolition. He also promoted economic development and industrialisation.
Bourguiba was accused of being authoritarian and of suppressing dissent. However, he is also widely considered the father of modern Tunisia. He is credited with leading the country to independence and transforming it into a secular state.
He died in 2000 at the age of 97. He is buried in Monastir, Tunisia.

Tunisian culture is a product of more than three thousand years of history and an important multi-ethnic influx.

Different cultures, civilisations and multiple successive dynasties contributed to the country’s culture over centuries with varying degrees of influence. Tunisians are famous for their tolerant culture and the warm hospitality shown to all visitors, regardless of background or faith. Tunisian food reflects influences from the Phoenicians, Vandals, Romans, Byzantines, Italians, Turks, French, Spanish and Arabs. Tunisians generally consider themselves more liberal and tolerant than their neighbours—most urban women, for example, dress in Western clothes and do not veil themselves.

Famous Landmarks

Here are some famous landmarks in Tunisia:
– Carthage
– Dougga
– Enfidaville War Cemetery
– El Jem Amphitheatre
– Medina of Tunis
– Sanctuary of Tophet
– The Bardo Museum
– Bulla Regia.

Bulla Regia, for example, was a Berber, Punic, and Roman town near present-day Jendouba. Its surviving ruins and archaeological site are noted for their Hadrianic-era semi-subterranean housing and protection from the fierce heat and effects of the sun. Many mosaic floors have been left in place; others may be seen at the Bardo Museum in Tunis.

Master of the Mediterranean’s maritime trade

Carthage was the capital city of ancient Carthage, on the eastern side of the Lake of Tunis. It was one of the most important trading hubs of the Ancient Mediterranean and one of the most affluent cities of the classical world. Carthage was founded circa 814 BC by the Phoenicians. Its strategic location on a promontory with sea inlets to the north and south proved pivotal in its development as an important trading hub of the Mediterranean. The geographical position allowed for easy access to the Mediterranean Sea and Lake Tunis, making it an ideal place to establish a port city. This promontory provided an excellent natural harbour for seagoing vessels. The surrounding inlets allowed ships access to inner and outer harbours, creating further advantages for trade and commerce. That’s how Carthage became the master of the Mediterranean’s maritime trade. All ships crossing the sea had to pass between Sicily and the coast of Tunisia, where Carthage was built, affording it great power and influence.

Carthage’s most noteworthy characteristics were its sophisticated urban planning, agricultural production, and maritime trade. The city-state of Carthage was renowned for its monumental architecture, with many palaces, temples, and public buildings constructed in various styles. The Carthaginian culture and civilisation were characterised by its mercantile prowess, exemplified by its extensive trading networks, which facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures across the Mediterranean basin. This trading empire’s influence extended to Africa and Europe, allowing for a truly cosmopolitan outlook and multi-faceted approach to cultural expression.

Tunisian Leadership of the Democratic Wave in the Arab World

The Tunisian Revolution was a series of protests that began in December 2010 and led to the overthrow of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali in January 2011. The revolution was the first of the Arab Spring uprisings, and it had a significant impact on the region.

The revolution had several positive consequences. It led to the establishment of a democratic government in Tunisia, and it inspired other Arab countries to rise against their authoritarian rulers. The revolution also improved human rights and economic development in Tunisia. All this was not to please autocratic regimes in the region, which explains to a large extent why Tunisian fresh democracy was, since the beginning, under attack. The consequences of those foreign attacks have not yet been comprehensively analysed. The revolution seemed, in this light, negative. It led to political instability and violence in Tunisia and harmed the country’s economy. The revolution has also been used as a pretext for extremism and terrorism in the region. Many of those factors were not domestic but imported, though.

Overall, the Tunisian Revolution was a complex event with positive and negative consequences. It is too early to say what the long-term impact of the revolution will be, but it is clear that it has significantly impacted Tunisia and the Arab world.

Here are some of the pros and cons of the Tunisian Revolution:

Pros:

The revolution led to the establishment of a democratic government in Tunisia.
The revolution inspired other Arab countries to rise against their authoritarian rulers.
The revolution led to improvements in human rights and economic development in Tunisia.

Cons:

The revolution led to political instability and violence in Tunisia.
The revolution has harmed the country’s economy.
The revolution has been used as a pretext for extremism and terrorism in the region.

It is important to note that these are just some pros and cons of the Tunisian Revolution. Many other factors could be considered when evaluating the revolution’s impact, mostly from a regional geopolitical perspective: a struggle in which some autocratic Arab states have been involved and used all their means to weigh in and control political forces in Tunisia.

The present situation

The present situation in Tunisia is a complex one. Following the suspension of the parliament by President Kais Saied, the country is in a state of political limbo. Saied has promised to hold new elections, but it is still being determined when these will occur. In the meantime, he has ruled by decree, which has led to concerns about the country’s democratic future.
Several factors have contributed to the current situation in Tunisia. One factor is the country’s economic crisis. Tunisia has been struggling economically for years, and the problem has only worsened in recent months. This has led to widespread discontent among the population, which has made it easier for Saied to consolidate his power.
Another factor is the political instability in Tunisia. The country has been plagued by political infighting since the 2011 revolution. This has made it difficult to form a stable government and led to losing faith in the political system.
Saied’s actions have been met with mixed reactions. Some people support him, believing he is the only one who can save the country. Others are critical of him, accusing him of authoritarianism. It is too early to say the long-term consequences of Saied’s actions. However, it is clear that the current situation in Tunisia is fragile and that the country is facing many challenges.

The Future of Tunisia

Thanks to its young population, abundant natural resources, and strategic location, Tunisia can still create a bright future. The country has a well-educated population, with many young people eager to contribute to the country’s development. Moreover, Tunisia is located at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, making it a gateway to these regions. As a result, the country is ideally positioned to attract foreign investment and increase its trade with other countries.

Progress and Prosperity in Tunisia

Tunisia can progress significantly in many areas, including economic development, social welfare, and political stability. The country has implemented economic reforms to improve its business environment and attract foreign investment. It has also invested heavily in education, health care, and infrastructure, improving many Tunisians’ living standards. In addition, Tunisia has made significant strides in political stability, with the peaceful transition of power following the Arab Spring. Unfortunately, the intervention of exterior antidemocratic powers turned the situation upside down.

The Path to Success

Tunisia will again lead the region toward democracy and success as long as its leadership is committed to continuing progress towards democratic prosperity. Successive governments have launched a series of initiatives to boost economic growth and create employment opportunities. Some have also implemented policies aimed at reducing poverty and promoting social welfare. Tunisia should also work to enhance its international reputation by attracting foreign investment and strengthening its diplomatic ties with other countries.

In the long run, Tunisia is headed towards a bright future, and the country is on the path to success. With its young population, natural resources, and strategic location, Tunisia has the potential to become a regional powerhouse. Moreover, the country’s commitment to progress and prosperity and its recent economic and social development successes bode well for its future. Tunisians can look forward to a brighter tomorrow.