The Intelligence from The Economist Paranoia politics: a Tunisian lesson in demagoguery
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Sep 1, 2023 
Anne Rowe, The Economist's obituaries editor, delves into the manipulation of fear in Tunisia's political climate, highlighting the rise of racist rhetoric as a tool for autocratic distraction. The discussion touches on the alarming increase in violence against migrants and the fading hope for democracy. Rowe also shares inspiring stories of Americans, including an African-American family's move to Portugal for safety. Lastly, she pays tribute to Ukrainian pilot Andrei Pilshkov, showcasing his tragic dream of flying F-16s in defense of his country.
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Sfax Displacement
- Robert Guest visited Sfax, Tunisia and witnessed the displacement of black people due to mob violence.
- Landlords were forced to evict black tenants under the threat of arson.
Scapegoating in Tunisia
- Tunisia's President Kais Saied is using scapegoating to distract from his poor governance.
- He blames black people for the country's economic problems, shifting blame from his own policies.
Democracy Under Threat
- President Saied's actions are reversing Tunisia's democratic progress achieved during the Arab Spring.
- His scapegoating tactics provide cover for suppressing the press, purging the judiciary, and dismantling anti-corruption efforts.