Constitution-Building in the Wake of the Arab Spring

How were post-Arab Spring constitutions drafted? What are the most significant elements of continuity and change within the new constitutional texts? What purposes are these texts intended to serve? To what extent have constitutional provisions been enforced? Have the principles of constitutionalism been strengthened compared to the past?

These are some of the key questions that will be addressed in the seminar, drawing on the reflections presented in Francesco Biagi’s recent book, Constitution-Building After the Arab Spring, published in 2024 by Cambridge University Press.

From a comparative perspective, seven national experiences of constitution-building in the Arab world following the 2011 uprisings will be examined: those of Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Syria, and Jordan. The discussion will focus, in particular, on four analytical dimensions: constitution-drafting and constitutional reform processes; separation of powers and forms of government; constitutional justice; and religion, women, and non-Muslims within the framework of citizenship.

Welcome and Greetings
Nicola Lupo, Luiss Department of Political Science

Introduction
by Francesco Biagi, University of Bologna, Department of Law

Discussants:
Virginie Collombier, Luiss School of Government
Gabor Halmai, Eötvös Lóránd University and Luiss
Valentina Rita Scotti, European Public Law Organization and Luiss

Q&A and Closing Remarks

Moderator:
Cristina Fasone, Luiss Department of Political Science