Algeria | Council on Foreign Relations

Middle East and North Africa

Don’t Hold Your Breath for Democratic Change in the Middle East

The region is accustomed to cycles of protest and political upheaval, so it’s better not to bank on successful revolutions.

by Steven A. Cook January 13, 2020
Middle East and North Africa

Europe’s Future Will Be Decided in North Africa

The United States should stop treating the region as secondary to the rest of the Middle East.

by Steven A. Cook July 29, 2019
Middle East and North Africa

It’s Time for the United States to Rethink How We See North Africa

The news out of Algeria continues to intrigue. Now that ailing President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, in power since 1999, has stepped down, Algerians and people around the world wonder if real change is a…

Blog Post by Michelle Gavin April 3, 2019 Africa in Transition

Algeria

Don’t Get Your Hopes Up About Algeria

The Middle East’s latest protests seem like the Arab Spring all over again. That’s no reason for optimism.

by Steven A. Cook March 20, 2019
Algeria

An Algerian Arab Spring?

Is the Arab Spring back, as some protesters, activists, and analysts have declared? The uninspiring answer is a qualified maybe.

Blog Post by Steven A. Cook March 20, 2019 From the Potomac to the Euphrates
Algeria

Political Instability in Algeria

Recognizing that a bungled leadership transition and continuing economic stagnation in Algeria would have significant ramifications for U.S. counterterrorism interests and regional stability, the United States should take steps—including precautionary measures—to manage the risk.

Contingency Planning Memorandum by Geoff D. Porter March 7, 2019 Center for Preventive Action
Algeria

Algeria’s Protests: What to Know

Algerians are protesting in large numbers over moves to maintain ailing longtime leader Abdelaziz Bouteflika in power. The ruling elite faces a test of legitimacy that could spark unrest in a region weary of upheaval.

In Brief by Steven A. Cook February 28, 2019
Authoritarianism

Strongmen Are Weaker Than They Look

Authoritarians are on the rise around the world, but history shows they’re mostly helpless.

Blog Post by Steven A. Cook March 13, 2018 From the Potomac to the Euphrates
Iraq

Weekend Reading: The U.S., Iran, and the KRG; Remembering Bentalha

Reading selections for the weekend of September 15, 2017.

Blog Post by Steven A. Cook September 15, 2017 From the Potomac to the Euphrates
Iraq

Weekend Reading: Mosul's Troubles, the Legacy of the Algerian Civil War, and Syria's War Economy

Reading selections for the weekend of July 28, 2017.

Blog Post by Steven A. Cook July 28, 2017 From the Potomac to the Euphrates
Algeria

Weekend Reading: Iraq’s Marshes, Lebanon’s Elites, and Algeria’s Islamists

Reading selections for the weekend of May 5, 2017.

Blog Post by Steven A. Cook May 5, 2017 From the Potomac to the Euphrates
France

How the French Debacle in Algeria Shaped the Rise of Marine Le Pen—and What America Can Learn From It

Marine Le Pen's neofascist movement was fueled by lingering resentment over a military humiliation. Maybe ours too.

Blog Post by Steven A. Cook May 1, 2017 From the Potomac to the Euphrates
Iraq

Weekend Reading: Fighting in Mosul, Innovative Booksellers, and Algeria's Jewish Heritage

Reading selections for the weekend of April 28, 2017.

Blog Post by Steven A. Cook April 28, 2017 From the Potomac to the Euphrates
Tunisia

Weekend Reading: Ben Ali’s Flight, the Nawari of Gaza, and Algeria’s Independence Reconsidered

Reading selections for the weekend of February 3, 2017.

Blog Post by Steven A. Cook February 3, 2017 From the Potomac to the Euphrates
Algeria

Weekend Reading: Egypt’s State of Idiocy, Darth Mediene, and Libya’s Tribes

Maged Atiya laments the Egyptian state’s devolution into idiocy. Sam Metz and Abdallah Brahimi explore the potential reasons behind the recent dismissal of Algerian spy chief Mohammed Mediene. Nada…

Blog Post by Steven A. Cook November 6, 2015 From the Potomac to the Euphrates