“The concept of the ‘individual’ has been born during these revolts. At the same time, tribal structures and ethnic traditions will not simply disappear. Tribal culture will have to enter into a modern framework and that is very complicated but individualism is here to stay.”

In this interview, Moroccan-born novelist and poet Ben Taher Jelloun opens up about the Arab Spring, the challenges of post-dictatorship nations, and the anticipation of a “creative boom.” Jelloun discusses the importance of Arab writers’ visibility in Europe, distinguishes between revolution and revolt, and speaks on writing from Gadhafi’s perspective.