Youth Unemployment, Relative Deprivation, and Radicalization: A Quantitative Review of Violent Extremism Risks in Post-Revolutionary Tunisia

Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies | Vol. 11, No. 7, July 2020 | pp. 55–63

DOI: 10.46882/2020/GJPCS/110701

Article Type: Original Research Paper

Title: Youth Unemployment, Relative Deprivation, and Radicalization: A Quantitative Review of Violent Extremism Risks in Post-Revolutionary Tunisia

Authors: Driss Benali¹, Fatuma Hussein²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Center for Middle Eastern and African Studies, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco; ²Department of Sociology and Social Work, Pwani University, Kilifi, Kenya

Abstract:
The persistent structural exclusion of educated youth within marginalized economic border zones remains a primary internal security vulnerability across post-revolutionary Tunisia. This article presents a quantitative assessment evaluating the statistical relationship between youth unemployment, relative deprivation, and vulnerability to extremist radicalization. Using a structured survey methodology, data was gathered from 720 participants aged 18 to 29 across Kasserine, Sidi Bouzid, and Medenine provinces between 2018 and 2019. Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression metrics show that high unemployment alone is not a statistically significant predictor of radicalization vulnerability (p > 0.05). However, when economic exclusion is paired with high perceived corruption and systemic police mistreatment, the correlation rises sharply (R² = 0.61, p < 0.01). The empirical evidence demonstrates that extremist groups exploit structural frustrations with governance failures far more effectively than theological ideas. The study shows that aggressive state security responses often push alienated youth toward underground cells. We recommend shifting public funding away from paramilitary containment toward decentralized job creation and local judicial reforms.

Keywords: Youth Unemployment; Relative Deprivation; Radicalization; Tunisia Security; Structural Exclusion; Extremist Recruitment

Manuscript Timeline: Received: July 28, 2019; Revised: October 12, 2019; Accepted: January 05, 2020; Published: July 18, 2020

Citation: Benali, D., & Hussein, F. (2020). Youth Unemployment, Relative Deprivation, and Radicalization: A Quantitative Review of Violent Extremism Risks in Post-Revolutionary Tunisia. Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies, 11(7), 55–63. DOI: 10.46882/2020/GJPCS/110701

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