Modern Algeria: The Origins and Development of a Nation
2006; Boston University; Volume: 39; Issue: 3 Linguagem: Inglês
ISSN
2326-3016
Autores Tópico(s)African history and culture analysis
ResumoModern Algeria: The Origins and Development of a Nation. Second edition. By John Ruedy. Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 2005. Pp. xii, 325; 7 maps. $21.95 paper. The pioneering of American historians studying Algeria's modern period prominently included, among others, Alf Andrew Heggoy, David C. Gordon, and Richard and Joan Brace. John Ruedy, professor emeritus of Georgetown University, bridged that generation with emerging generation of historians through his teaching and books, notably Land Policy in Algeria (1967) and especially Modern Algeria (1991). His comprehension, contribution, and, above all, his clarity are most appreciated in a relatively understudied field. Indiana University Press wisely asked Professor Ruedy to produce a second edition of Modern Algeria, which remains best historical survey of country in English. The book studies Algeria's political, social, and economic history from Ottoman era to contemporary period. In his preface to first edition of Modern Algeria (included in second edition), Ruedy identified himself within liberal school of Algerian historiography (p. xi) headlined by Charles-Andre Julien and Charles-Robert Ageron. The College de France's Jacques Berque also influence and taught Ruedy at University of California-Los Angeles. (Berque fondly recalls his senior student in Memoires des deux rives [Paris: Editions du Seuil, 1989, 218].) In his second preface, Ruedy reflects on Algeria's unfulfilled endeavors in its modern history to create a consensus regarding national identity. As disclosed by such self-defining documents as Algiers Charter (1964), National Charter (1976), and four constitutions, Algeria has sought to answer the question of who Algerians are and where they wish to proceed (p. ix). That question is still being addressed. In new edition, Ruedy left first seven chapters unchanged, revised eighth, and seamlessly added a ninth entitled Insurgency and Pursuit of Democracy. This chapter studies tragic conflict in Algeria that commenced after cancellation of second round of parliamentary elections in January 1992 and dismantling of Islamic Salvation Front (FIS). Approximately 150,000 Algerians have lost their lives since 1992 in what many have called, especially in popular press, a civil war. Ruedy characterizes conflict as an insurgency, since, in spite of its toll, only a small minority of Algerians supported Islamists' resort to war and number of their combatants peaked at no more than 25,000 (p. 257). He explains that violence was far more than result of confrontation between Islamists and security forces. It included intra-Islamist assaults, clan conflicts, and indiscriminate killings. …
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