Crises and Transnational Migration in Tunisia (2011-2024): Discourses and Practices of Hospitality and Rejection of Immigrants – 5in10 with Riadh Ben Khalifa

Riadh Ben Khalifa is an associate Professor of Contemporary History at the University of Tunis, Vice-Dean, Internship director at the Faculty of Human and Social Sciences (since September 2024), Fellowship of Mecam (from September to April 2024) and member of Research Laboratory of Economy and History of Mediterranean.

 He is editor-in-chief of the Tunisian Review of Social Sciences. His research interests focus on migration, asylum, and mobility in transitional contexts. Over the past decade, he published several books and articles in refereed journals as well as contributed to numerous chapters in collective works. He also made contributions to reports on migration and refugee issues for international organizations.

Riadh Ben Khalifa serves as a scientific member of the Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights (FTDES), the Arab Institute for Human Rights, and the National Migration Observatory (Minister of Social Affairs). Additionally, he is a member of several migration networks.

• How do you explain your work to someone who may not be an expert in the same field and comes from another geographical context?

In 2011, Tunisia demonstrated remarkable solidarity by welcoming large waves of refugees from Libya. However, since then, public opinion has shifted, and we now see increasing hostility toward sub-Saharan migrants. The Tunisian state has also implemented stricter anti-migrant policies. My research focuses on the dynamics of hospitality and rejection of migrants in Tunisia, especially in light of economic crises and the political manipulation of migration issues.

• What intrigued you when you started your academic journey? What were formative encounters and challenges?

One of the key challenges for me has been mastering the theoretical frameworks surrounding migration, as well as securing funding for field research. These aspects have been essential in shaping my approach and deepening my understanding of the subject.

• How does your work relate to imaginations of the future, and how does it address questions of disparities?

My work aims to deconstruct stereotypes and encourage a new interpretation of migration that goes beyond racial prejudice and concepts like invasion, crisis, and undesirability. It’s essential to foster a future perspective where migration is seen through a more nuanced and humanistic lens.

• What is the role of humanities and social sciences in times of upheaval? And what is the role of scholars in these contexts?

The role of scholars is to deconstruct dominant concepts, analyze complex situations, and understand societal changes. We must also think critically about policies that respect human rights and work toward solutions that promote dignity and equality.

• Can you recommend a book, text, film, or exhibition that effectively addresses questions and imaginations of the future while dealing with inequalities in interesting ways?

I recommend Les inégalités en Tunisie edited by Azzam Mahjoub, published by FTDES in March 2022. It provides valuable insights into inequality in Tunisia.

 

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Citation: Crises and Transnational Migration in Tunisia (2011-2024): Discourses and Practices of Hospitality and Rejection of Immigrants – 5in10 withRiadh Ben Khalifa, in: TRAFO – Blog for Transregional Research, 07.11.2024, https://doi.org/10.58079/12n08

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