Breaking Down Algérie Française: Impacts on Boualam as an Elite Collaborator

Abstract

The breakdown of colonial rule and reinstatement of pre-colonial borders is often regarded as a positive change for the local population. However, individuals who collaborated with the imperial power were often exposed to the adverse side-effects of these developments. Examining the Bachaga Boualam’s (a harki) reasons for collaboration, and his experiences during and after the breakdown of colonial Algeria expands Robinson’s theory of economic imperialism. This is done by exploring the tension between collusion, the harki’s belief in his ‘Frenchness’, France’s need to maintain imperial power, and thus a distinction between themselves and local Algerians.