Voices of Change: Bridging Syrian Youth's Political Awareness Gap

“I grew up with the horrible saying: the walls have ears, which means that you’re not allowed to talk about politics. You’re not even allowed to think!” These touching words from Lubna Alaswad, a Syrian law student at Leibniz University in Hannover, Germany, capture the oppressive atmosphere that has stifled the political discourse among Syrian youth for decades.

Why Do We Need Political Awareness?

Political awareness is not just a fancy term; it is the backbone of a country’s future. Despite the Syrian conflict's heavy toll, young Syrians show resilience and a thirst for political engagement. However still, their efforts are often obstructed by inconsistent and biased political education. Many young Syrians thus grow up being deprived of the essential tools needed to navigate Syria’s political landscape.

Since the Syrian uprising in 2011, the state apparatus has bombarded youth with varying degrees of political indoctrination and propaganda. Inside of Syria, state-controlled media and opposition narratives have painted completely different pictures, leading to confusion and division. On the other hand, the diaspora’s exposure to democratic practices has offered a broader perspective. This has further diversified their views, sometimes creating a disconnect with those inside of Syria. Having been relatively young when the revolution broke through, many of today’s youth lacked the understanding to fully grasp its significance, leaving them susceptible to dominant narratives in the region.

Syria, A Patchwork of Ideologies

Imagine a quilt made of completely mismatched pieces; that’s Syria’s political landscape. Government-controlled areas push pro-regime narratives, while territories under non-state groups like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) or the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) promote their own ideologies. This creates varied political understanding among youth, where someone in Damascus might view the conflict entirely differently than someone in Idlib or Hasakah. Achieving political unity among Syrian youth is like trying to piece together a puzzle with missing pieces. The challenge lies not in the political diversity itself, but in the dominance of conflicting narratives that prevent shared principles like democracy and coexistence. This fragmented awareness makes it difficult for youth to rally around common political goals.

This fragmented political awareness is further deepened by the local governance structures in place. Local governance doesn’t just influence the media; it affects every aspect of daily life, reinforcing distinct political ideologies. Limited access to unbiased information and a strong presence of propaganda lead to conflicting narratives among the youth. The education systems compound this issue, often pushing political agendas instead of encouraging critical thinking. In regime-controlled areas, schools enforce membership in groups like the Ba'ath Vanguards Organization and focus on military training. Meanwhile, in Northeast Syria, the curriculum promotes the PYD’s ideology, and in Northwest Syria, Turkish-backed factions push different narratives. These biased educational systems prevent young Syrians from developing a comprehensive and critical understanding of their political environment.

Even those who try to start genuine political initiatives face huge obstacles. Bakri Al-Hallak, Deputy Secretary-General of the anti-regime Syrian Student Union in Azaz, Northwestern Syria, noted that despite efforts for political participation, organized political activity remains hostage to regional dynamics and decisions by neighboring countries. This makes it nearly impossible for young people to engage in meaningful political discourse or actions.

Diaspora Dynamics

Young Syrians in the diaspora face their own set of challenges. Living in places like Germany or Australia exposes them to different political environments that shape their awareness. Sami Akil, an Advisor for INSO Syria, compared the political experience in Syria and Australia to comparing a Fiat with a Ferrari. He was shocked by the accountability in Australian politics, which is a far cry from what he was used to in Syria. This stark difference highlights how far Syria's political system is from what these young Syrians experience abroad, further complicating their understanding and engagement with Syrian politics.

Diaspora youth often engage with their host countries' politics, gaining insights but also feeling a disconnect from Syrian realities. Balancing their new political understanding with staying informed about issues back home creates a complex awareness landscape. This disconnect can lead to a sense of frustration and helplessness, as they struggle to reconcile the two worlds.

Accessing culturally relevant and politically informative education can be tough due to language barriers, cultural differences, and a lack of tailored resources. The pressure to assimilate in host countries sometimes overshadows the importance of maintaining connections to their Syrian heritage and political roots. This leads to a loss of cultural and political identity, making it harder for them to engage meaningfully with Syria's political future.

Another significant challenge faced by young Syrians in the diaspora stems from their traumatic experiences with politics back home. Many have endured severe political oppression and violence, leading to a deep-seated distrust of political systems. This trauma often resulted in a profound disillusionment with politics, causing some to completely withdraw from political engagement. They would avoid any form of political involvement, distancing themselves from their Syrian identity and heritage in an attempt to escape the pain associated with their past experiences.

This division has led to the emergence of two distinct groups among the youth of the Syrian diaspora: those who actively seek political engagement, both in their host countries and regarding Syrian affairs, despite the difficulties, and those who are so disheartened by their traumatic experiences that they shun politics altogether. This internal division further complicates efforts to unify Syrian youth around common political goals, as even within the diaspora, there is a significant split in attitudes towards political involvement.

From Political Disillusionment to Civil Society

There has been a significant shift in civil and youth initiatives, with many young Syrians turning to civil society and community-based projects as an alternative to traditional political engagement. Frustrated by outdated and ineffective political bodies that continue to be dominated by the same old faces with little progress, young people have found more meaningful ways to contribute through civil society. This repeated disappointment with the lack of proper political participation has led many to lose passion for politics altogether. As a result, the failure of these political bodies to adapt and include new voices has left many young people disillusioned and disengaged.

Engagement in civil work and youth initiatives is crucial. But it’s important to remember that prior to 2011, youth involvement in this area was minimal due to ideological control and organizational constraints. According to a political activist in regime-controlled areas, many young people who turned to civil work were initially politically active during the early revolution stages. However, continuous harassment, difficulties in obtaining official documents, societal pressure, and a pervasive sense of hopelessness about political change have driven them to focus on civil work through youth initiatives and local associations. This trend of focusing exclusively on civil work might create a significant future gap, as the political landscape desperately needs fresh faces and ideas. The persistence of the same figures has led to widespread disillusionment, making it hard for new political movements to gain traction.

From Fragmentation to Unity

Addressing the political awareness gap among Syrian youth requires innovative and engaging solutions. Imagine the potential of young Syrians, both at home and in the diaspora, united by a common understanding and vision for their country's future. This vision can only be realized through educational reforms that ignite critical thinking and present balanced political perspectives.

In Syria, the key lies in fostering an environment where young minds are encouraged to question, debate, and analyze. Programs that promote critical thinking and provide diverse viewpoints can break the cycle of biased education. For those in the diaspora, bridging the gap means creating curricula that weave together Syrian political history and current events, offering a comprehensive understanding of their heritage and its contemporary challenges.

Digital platforms are becoming the go-to gathering space for Syrian youth to connect across different backgrounds and regions, sharing experiences and debating political issues. These online spaces, whether through social media, discussion groups, or virtual meetups, can overcome physical distances and build a sense of unity and common purpose. But not everyone has access to these digital tools, leaving some young Syrians out of the conversation. That is why it is essential to mix digital efforts with offline initiatives, so everyone gets a chance to be heard and shape the broader political discussion.

Encouraging political engagement in host countries is another crucial step. By participating in local political processes, such as voting and advocacy, diaspora youth can gain firsthand experience in democratic practices and governance. This involvement not only enriches their understanding of politics but also prepares them to contribute meaningfully to Syrian affairs.

Yet, these efforts must be supported by a stable and peaceful environment. The implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2254, which ensures a political solution and a peaceful transition of power in Syria, is fundamental. Without this foundation, educational and engagement initiatives will struggle to take root and flourish.

The Future is in Their Hands

The youth of Syria, whether at home or abroad, are the torchbearers of their country's future. They carry within them the dreams and hopes of a generation longing for peace, justice, and democracy. Nurturing initiatives that enhance their political awareness and engagement is not just important, but crucial in the rebuilding and renewal processes in Syria.

Their journey is not just about overcoming challenges; it is about igniting a transformation that turns pain into progress and dreams into reality. The future of Syria is not just in their hands; it is their hearts that will lead the way.

The views expressed in this article are not necessarily those of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung.