Research

Knowledge fights repression in western Asia

Posted on 17/12/2009

What is the impact of internet? In how far does it influence democratic processes in states such as Iran and Syria? The Knowledge Programme Civil Society in Western Asia addresses these types of questions. The answers are extremely useful for Hivos partners.

In October, the Knowledge Programme Civil Society in Western Asia had been operating for one year. The initiative arose out of attempts which Hivos has been making since 2004 to support projects in Iran and Syria.

Repressive setting

'Because those countries have authoritarian regimes, it was difficult for Hivos to work together with civil society actors', says Kawa Hassan. He is a Hivos staff member and Knowledge Officer for the Knowledge Programme Civil Society in Western Asia. 'Once we had seen just how hard it was, we decided to look in greater depth at the opportunities available to these organisations and the obstacles they face. What roles can they play in their repressive setting, and what roles can they not play? This information is useful because then we know how we can best support them. But the knowledge is not only for our internal use. It is definitely a good thing, too, for civil society actors to be aware of where their chances lie.'

Anonymous researchers

The Knowledge Programme Civil Society in Western Asia is a collaborative project of Hivos and the Dutch University of Amsterdam (UvA). Although they would prefer to enlist a large number of local researchers and institutes, this has proved to be difficult. Hassan: 'In countries with authoritarian regimes such as Syria and Iran, there are not very many independent institutes. And when there is one, they do not dare join the programme. Which is understandable: it can be dangerous for them. So we try to involve researchers and activists from the region in the programme along other channels. For instance, we work with researchers and activists who publish anonymously.'

Iranian nationalism

One part of the research focuses exclusively on western Asia. For example, on the role played by the business community in the reforms in Syria. Or on the role of nationalism in the democratisation movement in Iran. 'But we also do comparative studies', says Hassan. 'For instance, we study the transition from dictatorship to democracy in Latin America and former Eastern Europe. What part of that is relevant for Iran and Syria? We also investigate how civil society actors in Morocco, Jordan and Yemen make use of the scope they have. What lessons can be drawn from their experience?'

Open exchange

The Knowledge Programme Civil Society in Western Asia publishes its results in a digital newsletter four times a year. And next year Hivos is organising an expert meeting in Turkey. Hassan: 'We want to bring researchers there into discussion with practitioners: people who are genuinely active in civil society in western Asia. An open exchange of knowledge and experience is of the utmost importance for the population of Syria and Iran.'

Written by schrijf-schrijf

Photo: Knowledge Programme Civil Society in Western Asia

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