How self-limiting mobilization works in Morocco. Issue 3 (27th May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vairel, Frédéric
• Is Part Of: Mediterranean politics. Volume 27:Issue 3(2022)
• Page Start: 344
• Page End: 368
• Publication Date: 2022-05-27
• Subjects: Morocco -- repertoire of collective action -- self-limitation -- repression -- street politics -- authoritarianism; Mediterranean Region -- Politics and government -- 1945- -- Periodicals; 320.91822
• DOI: 10.1080/13629395.2020.1781476
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1362-9395

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This article draws on three years of immersive field experience to analyse the long-term effects of repression on contentious practices in Morocco. Informed by Charles Tilly's insights about contentious practices, I show how activists from various organizations – the Moroccan Truth and Justice Forum; Islamists from Justice and Beneficence; and the February 20 Movement (the Moroccan manifestation of the Arab popular uprisings) – carefully chose the type of action they took, the number of people they mobilized, and the precise time and location of their actions. This self-limitation was based on their assessments of what authorities would tolerate. It allowed activists to continue their work without the dire consequences that occur during times of harsh repression.