The Wave of Mobilizations in Algeria

Ester Sigillò, one of the BIT-ACT research fellows, presents her research on Algeria. Drawing on the case of the Hirak movement born in Algeria in 2019, her presentation casts light on the mechanisms of transformation of the antiregime movement when it comes to the transnational dimension. 

Based on a qualitative case-study research design, the discussion first unpacks the transformative dynamics of the movement when it bypasses the context of origins regarding the framing, organizational, and protesting dimensions. Then, it looks at the effects of such changes against a background characterized by a high political conflict and harsh repression.

Findings show that digital media supporting transnational activism have three main effects which are deeply intertwined: they mix up the sociopolitical cleavages of the country of origin by facilitating the hybridization of actors' registers and repertoires of action at a global level; they contribute to politicizing specific issues by escalating the levels of contention; they allow new measures of regime's transnational repression. 

This event will be hosted by the Copenhagen Centre for Political Mobilisation and Social Movement Studies (CoMMonS), that produces systematic research on mobilisation, protest, citizenship and political engagement.

The meeting will last approximately 1 hour, will take place on Zoom, and will be free and open to everyone. Please direct all questions and expressions of interest by writing to: commons.dsm.workshop@gmail.com