The Hirak As New Soft Power Asset For Algeria

Abstract

Despite its enormous assets and soft power potentialities, Algeria remains incoherently unexplored and unexploited. For this reason, it is criticised by all segments of society for the lack of dynamic action, pro-action and interaction. Still mired in a stifling bureaucracy, cumbersome administrative procedures and ‘a "corrupted" democracy’, the country has been struggling to find its way and emerge as a potential regional power. It seems the legacy of the one-party system is still an obstacle although attempts are being made to catch up with a new political approach based on democracy, social justice and press freedom. However, the advent of the Hirak or social protest movement as a source of optimism and hope, has ignited the birth of a new dynamic spirit. This article focuses on the impact of the Hirak as a potential soft power asset that will gradually enable the country to get rid of its rigid governance, ineffective structures and institutional policies that have led to political deadlock and crisis. By advocating a potentially fundamental peaceful and civilised approach, the Hirak forced the system to introduce substantial political changes, leading to the elimination and imprisonment of some political and military figures that were part of the old 'gang'. It then led to a series of concrete measures: the adoption of a new judicial system, the fight against corruption and the organisation of presidential, parliamentary and local elections. Most notable is the defence of true social justice, rule of law and order, freedom of the press and the alternative to power as key commitments promised by President Abdelmajid Tebboune during the 2019 election campaign.