INADIS Journal Logs #1: Avoiding Anarchy: Lessons Learned from the Bangladesh Riots

A male student wearing shackles carrying a sign saying, "Break down the shackles of those quotas" (ভেঙ্গে ফেল ঐ কোটার শিকল). Source: Rownak Shahriar Ruhan.

Abstract

This study explores the recent political clash in Bangladesh between students, the government, and the controversial employment scheme through the theoretical lenses of Realism and Post-Structuralism. The conflict, deeply rooted in economic inequality and political control, is analysed in the context of state power, identity, and resistance. The study also compares this situation with similar cases in countries like Egypt and Tunisia during the Arab Spring, offering insights into the potential resolutions and the broader implications for international relations.

Introduction

Political unrest between students and government bodies is not an uncommon phenomenon, particularly in developing nations where youth unemployment and economic disparities often lead to widespread dissatisfaction. The recent clashes in Bangladesh, where students have taken to the streets to protest against the government’s employment policies, reflect deeper structural issues within the nation’s political economy. This paper applies Realist and Post-Structuralist theories to understand the dynamics of this conflict, comparing it with similar events in other countries to draw broader conclusions about state power, identity, and social resistance.

Realist Perspective

Realism, a dominant theory in international relations, posits that states act in their self-interest, prioritizing power and security over ideological or moral considerations. In the context of Bangladesh, the government’s approach to the employment scheme can be seen as an attempt to maintain political control and economic stability. The state’s response to student protests—marked by heavy-handed policing and efforts to suppress dissent—aligns with the Realist view that governments prioritize order and authority over the demands of civil society.

Case Study: Egypt’s 2011 Revolution

The Egyptian Revolution of 2011 serves as a relevant comparison, where the government’s failure to address youth unemployment and economic grievances led to widespread protests. The Egyptian government, under Hosni Mubarak, initially responded with repression, a Realist approach aimed at maintaining control. However, the sustained pressure from the public eventually led to Mubarak’s resignation, illustrating the limitations of a purely Realist strategy when faced with a determined and organized civil movement.

Post-Structuralist Perspective

Post-Structuralism, on the other hand, challenges the fixed identities and structures assumed by Realism, focusing instead on the fluidity of power relations and the role of discourse in shaping social realities. From this perspective, the conflict in Bangladesh can be understood as a struggle over the meaning and legitimacy of state policies and the identities of those involved. The government’s employment scheme is not just a policy but a discourse that constructs the state as the provider of economic security, while simultaneously framing students as either beneficiaries or troublemakers, depending on their compliance. The student protests, therefore, represent a counter-discourse that challenges the government’s narrative, asserting a different understanding of economic justice and political participation.

Case Study: Tunisia and the Arab Spring

Tunisia’s experience during the Arab Spring provides a useful parallel. The Tunisian government’s narrative of economic development was contested by a growing discourse of marginalization and exclusion, particularly among the youth. The self-immolation of Mohamed Bouazizi, a young street vendor, symbolized this resistance and sparked a movement that eventually toppled the government. Post-Structuralism helps us see how such acts of resistance disrupt dominant narratives and open up possibilities for new forms of political identity and action.

Discussion

The clash in Bangladesh, like the uprisings in Egypt and Tunisia, highlights the tension between state power and popular resistance. Realism helps explain the government’s repressive tactics as efforts to maintain control, while Post-Structuralism reveals the deeper contestation over the meanings and identities shaped by state policies. The comparison suggests that while states may succeed in suppressing dissent temporarily, the underlying issues of economic inequality and political exclusion often resurface, leading to further unrest. In the Bangladesh context, the government’s ability to resolve this conflict may depend on its willingness to engage with the students’ demands and address the structural inequalities that fuel their discontent. The experiences of Egypt and Tunisia show that ignoring these demands can lead to more significant challenges to state authority, potentially destabilizing the entire political order.

Conclusion

The political clash in Bangladesh is a complex issue that cannot be fully understood through a single theoretical lens. Realism provides insights into the state’s actions and motivations, while Post-Structuralism reveals the contested meanings and identities that underlie the conflict. By comparing Bangladesh’s situation with similar cases in Egypt and Tunisia, this paper underscores the importance of addressing economic and social grievances to prevent prolonged unrest. The study concludes that a more nuanced approach, recognizing the interplay of power, identity, and discourse, is essential for resolving such conflicts and ensuring long-term stability.

References

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