How self-limiting mobilization works in Morocco

Abstract

This article draws on three years of immersive field experience to analyse the long-term effects of repression on contentious practices in Morocco. Informed by Charles Tilly’s insights about contentious practices, I show how activists from various organizations–the Moroccan Truth and Justice Forum; Islamists from Justice and Beneficence; and the February 20 Movement (the Moroccan manifestation of the Arab popular uprisings)–carefully chose the type of action they took, the number of people they mobilized, and the precise time and location of their actions. This self-limitation was based on their assessments of what authorities would tolerate. It allowed activists to continue their work without the dire consequences that occur during times of harsh repression.