“Modernization” by “Professionalization”? The counter-examples of the PAM and Nidaa Tounes in Morocco and Tunisia

Comparatively, little is still known about the development of Arab political parties, too often viewed as “outlandish” or reduced to the religion-secularism divide. Starting from the assumption that many aspects should be analyzed for a deeper understanding of political parties in complex and increasingly post-ideological societies, this chapter compares two non-Islamist parties through the lens of professionalization and how this intersects with a perceived idea of modernity. Based on the literature on party change and resorting to Weber’s analytical categories, the chapter frames professionalization in terms of specific expertise, experience, and ethos (the three E’s). The main contention is that the parties under scrutiny are counter-models of professionalization in that they largely sidestep it, albeit their rhetorical commitment to modernity and progress. The rationale of this chapter is to stimulate a broader debate on the issue in Arab politics, but also outside of it as literatures on different geographic contexts should begin to engage more closely with each other.