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Foreign aid and civil society in Tunisia’s interregnum: between empowerment and dependency

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  • Akram Jabri
  • Mokbul Morshed Ahmad

Abstract

This study critically examines the impact of foreign donor-funded development projects on civil society organisations (CSOs) in Tunisia during the post-2011 transitional period. The research examines how international support has impacted the capacity, legitimacy, and participatory governance of CSOs, employing a mixed-methods approach that combines thematic document analysis, comparative case studies, and statistical review. The findings reveal a dual dynamic: while donor funding has enhanced organisational visibility and operational efficiency, it has fostered strategic dependency, marginalised grassroots priorities, and exacerbated regional disparities. Donor-aligned agendas have reshaped civic advocacy, often at the cost of local autonomy and community responsiveness. The study highlights the tension between technical efficiency and democratic inclusion, emphasising the need for more equitable, locally rooted development strategies. By analysing the Tunisian experience, this paper contributes to broader debates on the role of civil society in the democratisation process. It offers policy insights for fostering sustainable, inclusive, and context-sensitive civic engagement in transitional settings.

Suggested Citation

  • Akram Jabri & Mokbul Morshed Ahmad, 2026. "Foreign aid and civil society in Tunisia’s interregnum: between empowerment and dependency," Development in Practice, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 36(4), pages 672-685, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:cdipxx:v:36:y:2026:i:4:p:672-685
    DOI: 10.1080/09614524.2025.2558753
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