Foreign Policy Blogs

Tunisia: The Limits of EU Soft Power?

The latest democratic movement taking place in Tunisia has already cost the presidency to long timer Mr. Ben Ali, but now is exemplifying the limit of EU power and influence in times of crisis.

Following Mr. Ben Ali’s departure caused by massive strikes and civil unrests against his power and regime, the EU and other governments have welcomed the change of regime and called for the development of a Tunisian democracy. However, European influence has been undermined by the strategic and security choices made by its member states like France and its southern members. Many of them had maintained close relationship with Ben Ali and supported his regime, as he was perceived as the last bastion against the emergence of Islamic movements in Maghreb. Tunisia is a very sensitive matter as it highlights the EU and its member states’ close cooperation with violent regional leaders like in Libya, Egypt, Morocco, and Algeria.

Tunisia: The Limits of EU Soft Power?So far, the EU has been extremely careful in its declarations. The EU, symbol of democracy and rules of law, has been absent. During a recent press release (A 18/11) of January 17, 2011 from the High Representative, Ms. Ashton declared:

“In this critical moment, we reaffirm the EU’s solidarity with Tunisia and its people. We condemn, once again, the violent repression of the demonstrations and reiterate our sympathy to the families and friends of the victims. We pay tribute to the courage of the Tunisian people and their peaceful struggle for their rights and democratic aspirations.

We are urging the Tunisian authorities to act responsibly, preserve peace, show restraint and avoid further violence and casualties. We condemn any actions aiming at further destabilising the security situation.

The message from the Tunisian people is loud and clear: Tunisia has reached a point of no-return. The EU will stand side by side with Tunisians as they pursue their peaceful and democratic aspirations. Tunisia wants to be a stable democracy, in full respect of fundamental rights and freedoms. It wants free and fair, inclusive elections. We will support Tunisia in their endeavours to achieve this.

We call for the formation of a new unity Government that ensures a peaceful democratic transition. To respond to the demands of the people, a truly inclusive electoral process with appropriate guarantees is essential. In a spirit of openness and dialogue, all democratic forces must now come forward to shape a new Tunisian democracy and correct the mistakes of the past.

The EU stands ready to provide immediate assistance to prepare and organise the electoral process and lasting support to a genuine democratic transition. If requested, we are also prepared to deploy the necessary assistance to help the Tunisian authorities with urgent needs.

In addition, we are already working on a broader package to assist with democratic reforms and economic development as soon as the political situation stabilises.”

Outside of several statements made by the EU foreign minister, it appears that European powers are trying to adapt their policies and positions on daily basis. These last couple of days the Financial Times has been publishing articles on the change of major western powers’ foreign policies and national narratives like France and the US. Obviously, the West has accepted Ben Ali regime’s violations of human rights, high corruption for two reasons: economic stability and since 2001 control of Islamic radicalism in Tunisia.

Due to institutional constrains and the supremacy of nation-states in foreign affairs, the EU has not been an effective voice and platform for discussion. Tunisia remains a matter of raison d’état. As a former French colony, the debate is clearly maintained within the French arena. The French position has been very particular and contradictory. For example, in the early days of the civil movement, French foreign minister, Ms. Alliot-Marie, offered assistance to Ben Ali by providing French security forces and its savoir faire in controlling social unrest. Several days later, the French government broke all bridges with Mr. Ben Ali.

It is time for Europe as a whole to shine and become a stronger partner of the post-Ben Ali Tunisia. The EU needs to deploy all its soft power in order to strengthen its position in North Africa. EU Member states like France should understand that a stable and democratic Tunisia is a regional and international interest. Only on January 21, 2011, the EU has been “working on a set of proposals that would see a union-wide freeze on the assets of ousted Tunisian President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali and his family.” Switzerland and France are planning to freeze Ben Ali’s money as he is currently living in Saudi Arabia.

What should we expect from these actions? In the mid- and long-term, the case of Tunisia will allow the implementation of two factors. First, the EU will be able to stand by its commitment towards democracy through political assistance in upcoming elections. Second, this democratic desires expressed in Tunisia could spill-over to neighboring countries and change the political spectrum of the Maghreb. Such political process should ultimately renew and strengthen the dialogue and relations within the Euro-Mediterranean community. These political and institutional transformations could ultimately re-launch the construction of the Union for the Mediterranean strengthening cooperation within the community of Euro-Mediterranean states.

 

Author

Maxime H.A. Larivé

Maxime Larivé holds a Ph.D. in International Relations and European Politics from the University of Miami (USA). He is currently working at the EU Center of Excellence at the University of Miami as a Research Associate. His research focus on the questions of the European Union, foreign policy analysis, security studies, and European security and defense policy. Maxime has published several articles in the Journal of European Security, Perceptions, and European Union Miami Analysis as well as World Politics Review.