While other northern African countries are struggling because of Arab Spring, Algeria has been holding its own. This may be because of their revolts in 1988 that led to their “Dark Decade” from 1991-2001. These 1988 revolts led to a new constitution for Algeria, but their 1991 elections were invalidated by the Algerian army. This unfortunately led to a civil wear that resulted in over 150,000 casualties. This time in Algerian history is said to be why Algeria has not been hit as badly as neighboring countries by the Arab Spring. These past years have left a big enough mark on the Algerian people that they are now thinking twice when it comes to revolting.
Because Algerians are conservative about revolting against their government, their revolts are not as threatening as surrounding countries. These weaker riots are much easier to control. Algeria controls these riots by using the wealth they have gotten from their oil industry. This money is then used for increases in employees’ salaries and food subsidies. Not only is the Algerian government trying to control the angry Algerians rioting in the street, but they are also trying to give a boost to their economy. Consequently, Algeria’s market is then benefitted by this increase in cash flow in the country. More money in their economy will increase their cash flow. It is hoped that, this will increase their economy. This will be a great advantage to Algeria compared to neighboring countries if they can give a lift to their economy because they are already one of the least phased of countries effected by the Arab Spring.
Algeria also gave handouts to young people who are currently unemployed. These handouts are not only passed out to help maintain their riots, but also they are intended to help these young unemployed citizens manage without a job. Algeria will able to give such subsidies and handouts for a little while because of their large amount of foreign currency reserves of over $100 billion. The more money in consumers hands, the more they will be willing to purchase goods. They do face long-term trouble when it comes to one of their biggest economic markets, gas.
Their gas production has recently hit a quiescent period. It is reported that it will soon start to decrease, consequently hurting its economy. The Arab Spring is not helping them out in this manner because of the troubles and riots their neighboring countries are having. This leads to a decrease in communication with them because these countries are to busy being involved with their domestic problems, and this will lead to a decrease in trading.
While it is unfortunate the Algeria had to experience the “Dark Decade” throughout the 1990’s, they are fortunate that they did go through that because the Arab Spring has shown less effect on them than on other countries. They can also thank their money reserves. This money has been used to settle the small amount of rioters that they do have. The more subtle effect this money has on Algeria is that it can be used to increase spending in Algeria. Little businesses can benefit from this money given out to potential consumers. While Algeria’s economy is doing adequate now in the short run, the long run is the main concern for Algeria. Their natural gas industry is planning on declining. This is where the Arab Spring will have the most impact on Algeria’s government. The corruption going on in surrounding countries is hurting their long term economic future, but their short term future is safe with help from their money reserves.