This seminar forms part of the 'Social Movements and Popular Mobilisation in the MENA Research Theme'.
Jasmine Gani presents her paper, drawing upon a contentious politics framework to assess the successes and failures of the Syrian external opposition, represented by the Syrian National Coalition (SNC). She argues that the Coalition has been unable to coordinate coherent collective action against the Syrian regime for four reasons: a miscalculation of the nature of political opportunity presented by the early uprisings; the lack of a common purpose and identity among the disparate groups within and outside of the SNC; the lack of a contentious repertoire to learn from; and lack of a sustainable strategy.
The SNC’s actions will be situated within the context of the Syrian regime’s repressive tactics and the influx of foreign fighters- factors beyond the SNC’s control which have played a significant part in its failings. Applying a contentious politics framework to this case will, it is hoped, contribute to a more rigorous analytical discourse of the Opposition’s strategy, one that might foster a more robust repertoire for Syria’s contentious social movements in the future.
Event Details
Speakers: Dr Jasmine Gani, University of St Andrews
Chair: Dr John Chalcraft, LSE
Date: Tuesday 15 March 2016
Time: 17.15-19.15
Event Hashtag: #LSEGani
Location: Room 9.04, Tower 2, Clement's Inn, LSE
Attendance: Registration for this event is now closed.
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Speaker
Dr Jasmine Gani is a lecturer in International Relations at the University of St. Andrews, and Associate Director of the Centre for Syrian Studies.