Between affordable welfare and affordable food: Internationalized food subsidy reforms in Egypt and Tunisia

Abstract The public subsidization of food is an important element North African welfare states, guaranteeing access to affordable nutrition and maintaining security even in times economic downturns. Since the 1970s, universal subsidy schemes have come under growing international pressure, countries selectively adopted policy recommendations adjusted their schemes. Comparing empirical cases Egypt Tunisia before after 2010/11 uprisings, we analyze linkages between organizations, national governments local demands explain what kinds reform alliances emerge these actors. We find that until 2010, internationalized social was structured by governments' brokerage domestic pressure adaptation aims. then, two modes unfolded: militarized Egypt, coercive closure secured alliance respective reforms, whereas Tunisia, polarization disconnected goals.