Ennahda, Tunisia's Islamist movement, has undergone a significant ideological shift toward Muslim Democracy. This article explores the drivers behind this change, hypothesizing that migration to secular democracies plays a crucial role.
Methodology:
Through ideal point analysis of parliamentary votes from Ennahda MPs,
Our findings reveal a stark contrast: MPs with prior experiences in secular democracies adopted more liberal voting records than those who remained in Tunisia. Specifically:
- They voted against enshrining Islamic law in the constitution
- More likely to defend freedom of conscience
Furthermore, interviews demonstrate self-awareness among these MPs regarding their ideological evolution.
They acknowledge three primary mechanisms driving change abroad:
- Socialization with secular norms
- Intergroup contact reducing religious bias
- Political learning adapting governance approaches
This research offers insight into broader Islamic political movements navigating democratic transitions.
