Algerians Without Borders

"Maps a fascinating and far-flung global frontier that Algerians have crossed over for centuries. This is not only a history of the modern and contemporary Algerian diaspora but also an instructive study of political, social, cultural, and economic encounters and negotiations that occur at the interstices of civilizations. Christelow contributes an impressive and erudite narrative that widens and enriches the corpus of modern Algerian historiography."--Phillip C. Naylor, author of North Africa: A History from Antiquity to the Present

This account of Algeria through its migratory history begins in the last quarter of the eighteenth century by looking at forced migration through the slave trade. It moves through the colonial era and continues into Algeria's turbulent postcolonial experience. In Algerians without Borders, Allan Christelow examines the factors that have drawn or pushed Algerians to cross borders, both literal and metaphoric. He provides an in-depth analysis of the results of these crossings: from problematic efforts to secure external support for political projects, to building interfaith dialogue and the exploration of new ideas, to the emergence of new communities. He also investigates the return of border crossers to Algeria and the challenges they face in adapting to new environments, whether negotiating alliances, engaging in dialogue, or simply seeking legal acceptance.

Christelow concludes with a discussion of the last few decades of Algerian history. He explores how Algerian intellectuals operated outside of the country's borders, spurred on by the rise of Islamism as well as by freer dialogues with Western powers, specifically Britain and the United States. The result is an alternate history of Algeria that demonstrates just how much its citizens' engagement with other societies has transformed the country.

Allan Christelow, professor of history at Idaho State University, is the author of Muslim Law Courts and the French Colonial State in Algeria and Thus Ruled Emir Abbas.