Documento CIDOB Mediterráneo; 8

This article is an attempt to further the debate that is currently open in Syria on the participation of citizens in the elaboration of foreign policy, and derives from a need to provide elements to foster the rebirth of the civil society in the socio-political sphere. Given the fact that its civil society is immature and devoid of all the "normal" operating elements, Syria is facing the challenge of promoting a process of peaceful democratic transition that is encouraging its citizens to reclaim their political and cultural freedoms - a goal which, in the opinion of the author, can only be achieved through the establishing of a state of law that enjoys the support of the institutions of civil society.

In a brief summary of the country's most recent history, the text pays particular attention to the period that began when the Ba'ath party came to power and the economy and the public space was nationalised in 1963; the author also examines moments of openness, while stressing the restrictive measures that have been imposed on the work of the associations.

By way of conclusion, the document presents a summary of the benefits that European cooperation could bring to the education sector, to promote a reform that should be based on both the strengthening of collective action in the heart of civil society and on educating citizens about democratic participation.

Salam Kawakibi, representative in Europe of the Centre Al Kawakibi per les Transicions Democràtiques. Associated researcher to the CIDOB Foundation.

ISSN: 1696-9979 (print edition)
ISSN: 1887-1801 (online edition)

46 pp.

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