#ArabSpring four years on: revisiting societal dynamics International seminar th Madrid, March 16 2015 Since demonstrations first took Tunisia by storm in December 2010, the Arab world region has never been the same. When the uprisings first began, enthusiasm was contagious as dictators fell and the voices of the people, silenced for decades, erupted onto the political stage. The term “Arab Spring” was coined and embraced by media and observers alike. The romantic reminiscence of Prague 1968 was there, but also its dramatic evolution. Four years after, the picture is different altogether and the Arab Spring spirit has often been reduced to a lengthy winter of discontent. Some countries, like Syria, Libya and Yemen have become embroiled in disastrous civil wars. In Egypt, a transition to democratic governance has been halted by deep political divisions, military intervention, a failing economy, and dysfunctional state institutions. Although Tunisia seems to have escaped the polarization conundrum and should be on the path to a better future, it is still in a fragile socioeconomic situation. Despite the sense of hopelessness all around, people in many countries continue to push for meaningful change and better opportunities for themselves and their fellow citizens. In many countries rocked by the Arab uprisings, but also in neighboring nations, much work still needs to be done to realize the revolutionary goals of bread, freedom, and social justice. In this context, the story of “civic entrepreneurism” needs to be told, given its role as an Arab Spring spearhead. A surge in grassroots movements, initiatives, and even startups has been the oxygen of revolutions in the MENA region and, though largely unappreciated, is a phenomenon to be reckoned with. As activists, entrepreneurs, artists, musicians, and filmmakers contributed to the reconstruction of their political, economic, social, and cultural fabric, they reflected a growing interest in collaborating with others on matters of common concern. The development of pluralistic systems where all political forces can play, without one monopolizing power, is a difficult task in countries with a high deficit in democratic experience. But one has to start somewhere. The exercise of creating a new culture of debate and consensus may come in the shape of self-expression and risk-taking, a rejection of traditional social hierarchies and government hegemony; releasing hidden potentials by breaking the fear barriers. This seminar, organized by Casa Árabe and Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, comes at a crucial time for reflection and evaluation of the telluric movements which have shaken the MENA region. These developments are shaping people’s behaviors and expectations as much as the results of elections or the ups-anddowns of national economies. PROGRAM 09:30 FOREWORD Welcome by the organizers Michael Ehrke, Madrid director, Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Eduardo López Busquets, director-general, Casa Árabe OPENING STATEMENT Civic entrepreneurship and the future of the Arab Spring. Maryam Jamshidi, lawyer and political scientist, Muftah.org 10:00-11:30 SESSION 1: POLITICAL DIMENSION New ways of participation and contestation. Ziad Boussen, member, Jeunes Démocrates Indépendants) Religious movements and politics. Nader Hashemi, director, Center for Middle East Studies, University of Denver The fourth and definite power: media. Fatima El-Issawi, researcher, Middle East Centre, London School of Economics Moderator: Karim Hauser, head of Governance, Casa Árabe 12:00-13:30 SESSION 2: ECONOMIC DIMENSION The entrepreneurs of the revolution. Samer Karam, founding manager, Startup Megaphone Creating jobs amidst the crisis. Youssef Fennira, project manager, AHK Tunisia The fragmented economies of state and society. Adil Sadoq, microfinance trainer, Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) Moderator: Olivia Orozco, co-ordinator of Training and Economics, Casa Árabe 15:00-16:30 SESSION 3: SOCIAL DIMENSION The significance of discontent: Arab faces and perceptions of injustice. Maha Yahya, associate fellow, Carnegie-Middle East Center Activism and human rights. Mohammed al Maskati , consultant, The Bahrain Youth Society for Human Rights Mental health in conflict-ridden countries. Sally Toma, psychologist and activist, Kazeboon Moderator: Leila Nachawati, blogger and academic, Universidad Carlos III 17:00-18:30 SESSION 4: CULTURAL DIMENSION Creating spaces of freedom. Malu Halasa , editor of Syria Speaks Walls speak: street art. Anahi Alviso, researcher, Centre Français d’Archéologie et de Sciences Sociales de Sanaa (CEFAS) Citizen theatre and collective memory. Jaouad Essounani, director, Dabateatr Moderator: Nuria Medina (Casa Árabe) 18:30 CONCLUSION