Activism in Difficult Times: Civil Society in Syria (2011-2014)

Rana Khalaf, PhD

The first of its kind as an evidence-based research carried during the Syrian conflict inside Syria, this study presents the results of a quantitative and qualitative mapping of 94 civil society groups and Local Councils in the non-government-controlled areas of Syria from the start of the country's popular uprising in March 2011 until February 2014. Carried out as part of the Badael Project for Sustainable Peace in Syria, this research has pursued three objectives: (1) to identify the characteristics of local CSGs in Syria, (2) to understand their identity and dynamics and (3) to analyse their challenges, opportunities and needs. Its findings not only provide a more nuanced picture than that often conveyed by the media, but also supports Syrian civil society groups in overcoming their difficulties and making better use of the opportunities available to them. At the same time, it could inspire the international community to review its support for Syrian civil society to make it more relevant to the realities and needs on the ground. TABLE OF CONTENTS Preface Executive Summary 1. Introduction: The Awakening of Syrian Civil Society 1.1 Syrian Civil Society in the Twentieth Century 1.2 The 'Damascus Spring' 1.3 Governmental Non-Governmental Organizations 1.4 A New Civil Society 2. Research Scope and Methodology 2.1 Research Scope 2.2 Research Techniques 2.3 Strengths and Limitations 3. Characteristics of Local Civil Society Groups 3.1 Civil Society on the Ground 3.1.1 Geographical spread 3.1.2 Emergence of civil society groups by region 3.2 Demographic Characteristics 3.2.1 Group size 3.2.2 Gender structure 3.2.3 Age structure 3.2.4 Educational attainment levels 4. Identities and Dynamics of Local Civil Society Groups 4.1 Choice of Name 4.2 Ideological Orientation 4.2.1 Interest in engaging in political activism 4.2.2 Economic vision 4.2.3 Religious orientation 4.2.4 Democratic and citizenship values 4.3 Dynamics 4.3.1 Funding resources 4.3.2 Roles and relationships on the ground 4.3.3 Relationships with other stakeholders 5. Local Civil Society Groups: Challenges, Opportunities and Needs 5.1 Challenges 5.2 Opportunities 5.3 Needs 6. Conclusion 7. Recommendations 7.1 Recommendations for Local Civil Society Groups 7.2 Recommendations for the International Community