Arab spring, summer of protest: A next generation of social activism?

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There is something brewing underneath the surface. Recent months have seen a surge of drastic forms of citizen action in various parts of the world. The 'Arab spring'  was followed by a summer of protest followed touching countries like Greece, Spain, Israel and other parts of Western  Europe. Are we witnessing the awakening of a new generation of social activism, and if so, what are the new strategies, agenda's, structures and emerging connections?

What these events seem to have in common is the expression of a  growing disillusionment and loss of faith in the political and economic  systems. Yet, the agenda’s and motives of those who have taken to the  streets remain unclear. Are these protest movements in anyway linked and  in touch? Are we witnessing, as some commentators have argued, a new  wave of (digital) social mobilization for transformative social change?  If so, then what alternative solutions are on offer? What strategies are  being used to ensure that demands and protest turn into policy and  action? Time for a critical discussion with some of the prime  suspects involved and people who have been following recent events.

We will host a panel followed by a public discussions with activists  from Egypt, Spain India  and Syria to discuss their motives, visions,  differences and connections.

With:

Ahmed Zidan – Mid East Youth

Leila Nagawati – Syrian/Spanish journalist & social movement activist

Mohammed Elagati – Arab Forum for Alternatives

Akshay Khanna – Institute of Development Studies

Participation:

Participation upon registration only. Please register at registration@hivos.nl

Maximum number of participants: 75