Moroccan monarchy and the Islamist challenge : maintaining Makhzen power / Mohamed Daadaoui.

Includes bibliographical references (pages [189]-200) and index.

Theoretical approaches to the prevalence of authoritarianism -- The Makhzen and state formation in Morocco -- Politics and culture in Morocco : a disciplinary-cultural approach to power -- Rethinking political Islam : the public sphere and Islamic activism in Morocco -- The Islamist challenge to regime hegemony in Morocco : contested legitimacy and positionary strategies.

"An examination of the Moroccan monarchy's religious authority and its use of rituals of power, this book look at how the monarchy limits the ability of Islamist and non-Islamist opposition groups to contest the its legitimacy in Morocco. The author explores the micro-dynamics of symbolic power and the extent to which the regime uses rituals of power to create a political culture conducive to the monarchy's supremacy in the socio-political realm, thus promoting regime stability in Morocco. These rituals have been institutionalized in the political system and have become part of the political discourse in Morocco. The monarchy's religious authority and its use of rituals of power impede the ability of Islamist and other opposition groups to mobilize and to penetrate Moroccan society. The prevalence of this cultural and social hegemony contributes to the stability and resilience of the monarchical authoritarian regime in Morocco"-- Provided by publisher.