The Arab Spring has reshaped the political landscape in MENA region. Middle Eastern and North African politics is now characterised by the rise of Islamist parties either from the far right (Salafis and ex-jihadis), the center (the Muslim Brothers in Egypt) and the progressive and liberal Islamists in Tunis and Morocco.

Khalil al-Anani highlights that Islamists were alienated under the despotic regimes and that after the Arab Spring they have significantly transformed their ideology, strategies and rhetoric, while entering the political game. This transformation takes place in an increasingly competitive and fragmented political scene in which some Islamist parties have tended to adopt more pragmatic programs whereas others are still preoccupied with identity politics. Regarding foreign policy, an emerging commonality among Islamists can be identified: to seek a balanced relationship with western countries based on mutual respect and interests. Professor Khalil al-Anani concludes that Islamists will not necessarily become liberal but that they will have to succumb to the increasing demands of individual and public freedoms around the Arab world.