Papers by Razan Ghazzawi
Middle East Journal of Culture and Communication , 2022
Since protest movements had swept the Middle East and North Africa regions in early 2011, new pol... more Since protest movements had swept the Middle East and North Africa regions in early 2011, new politics have emerged, creating unimagined spaces, ways of existence and knowing the world, and more importantly, new subcultures of othering. This article critically examines revolutionary subcultures of non-comradeship, figurations of 'non-authentic revolutionaries' and ways of revolutionary othering by focusing on the term 'Ramadyeen' as a reference coined by Syrian revolutionaries to describe individuals whose politics are 'not revolutionary enough'. Written from the positionality of a scholar-activist who participated in the protest movement, this text employs antisectarian feminist politics to reflect on how 'Ramadyeen' was mobilized to erase and decrease voices of nuances and criticism of dominant revolutionary demands, specifically around humanitarian intervention, militarization and sanctions against Syria. Therefore, this article locates 'Ramadayeen' as a keyword of counter-cultures targeting 'un-revolutionary' people and political positions.
Daraj Press, 2021
In the piece, I explore the politics of shaming and bullying within the Syrian activist communiti... more In the piece, I explore the politics of shaming and bullying within the Syrian activist communities against anti-militarization activists, specifically if they come from 'minoritarian' backgrounds (women, LGTBQ, religious minorities). I argue that anti-colorist feminist critique provides us with optics that allow us to read everyday violence within activist communities that enable metanarratives and silence visionary ones. I also challenge the racial politics behind the term 'white Syrian,' and how it is often used by Syrian intellectuals to compare Black people's struggles with Syrians' and I show why and how this is problematic.
Finally, this is a piece written as an 'insider' within the Syrian activist communities. It does not aim to shame people who use the term 'white Syrian' to shame other Syrian activists. It aims to encourage a politics of reflection after 10 years of revolution and counterrevolution[s]. It mostly aims to move the discussion forward.
On Rojava's new international LGBTQI brigade, the "war on terror" and the Western left's erasure ... more On Rojava's new international LGBTQI brigade, the "war on terror" and the Western left's erasure of local struggles.
This paper is not an academic one, I wrote it when following my unpleasant departure from Syria. ... more This paper is not an academic one, I wrote it when following my unpleasant departure from Syria. While many things have changed in Syria since March 2014, I hope it still can offer some perspective.
It was published in 'The people want to bring down the regime' by Rote Fabrik in March 2014 in the exhibition: huge flights -little shelter, curated by Rayelle Niemann & Silvia Staub. All rights are reserved to Rote Fabrik.
The research sought to understand the women activists’ definitions and priorities of peace-buildi... more The research sought to understand the women activists’ definitions and priorities of peace-building in Syria today; and explore the current forms and characteristics of women activism in peace-building, identify the challenges it is facing, and shed light on the available opportunities. It relied on data collected from women activists working in various non-regime controlled as well as regime-controlled areas across Syria. In total, the research collected information from 49 women’s groups, interviews with 35 influential women activists, and 10 focus groups discussions hosting 8-10 activists each.
Despite the escalating violence in the country, women activists in Syria today are the most effective peacebuilders on the ground. They have tailored their peacebuilding activities to respond to the local needs, gain people’s trust and turn initial societal resistance to local support. Their growing activism is, however, faced with mounting challenges, including the escalating violence and widespread fighting, continued regime’s violent crackdown on its dissidents, and lack of funds.
Talks by Razan Ghazzawi
This presentation was made in Harvard Arab Weekend 2016 http://www.harvardarabweekend.com/copy-of... more This presentation was made in Harvard Arab Weekend 2016 http://www.harvardarabweekend.com/copy-of-speakers. The points made from first hand experience as an activist from 2011-2013 and a co-author of "Peacebuilding Defines our Future Now" report with Badael Foundation for Sustainable Peace in Syria between 2014-2015.
Journal Articles by Razan Ghazzawi
Kohl: a Journal for Body and Gender Research, 2023
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Papers by Razan Ghazzawi
Finally, this is a piece written as an 'insider' within the Syrian activist communities. It does not aim to shame people who use the term 'white Syrian' to shame other Syrian activists. It aims to encourage a politics of reflection after 10 years of revolution and counterrevolution[s]. It mostly aims to move the discussion forward.
It was published in 'The people want to bring down the regime' by Rote Fabrik in March 2014 in the exhibition: huge flights -little shelter, curated by Rayelle Niemann & Silvia Staub. All rights are reserved to Rote Fabrik.
Despite the escalating violence in the country, women activists in Syria today are the most effective peacebuilders on the ground. They have tailored their peacebuilding activities to respond to the local needs, gain people’s trust and turn initial societal resistance to local support. Their growing activism is, however, faced with mounting challenges, including the escalating violence and widespread fighting, continued regime’s violent crackdown on its dissidents, and lack of funds.
Talks by Razan Ghazzawi
Journal Articles by Razan Ghazzawi
Finally, this is a piece written as an 'insider' within the Syrian activist communities. It does not aim to shame people who use the term 'white Syrian' to shame other Syrian activists. It aims to encourage a politics of reflection after 10 years of revolution and counterrevolution[s]. It mostly aims to move the discussion forward.
It was published in 'The people want to bring down the regime' by Rote Fabrik in March 2014 in the exhibition: huge flights -little shelter, curated by Rayelle Niemann & Silvia Staub. All rights are reserved to Rote Fabrik.
Despite the escalating violence in the country, women activists in Syria today are the most effective peacebuilders on the ground. They have tailored their peacebuilding activities to respond to the local needs, gain people’s trust and turn initial societal resistance to local support. Their growing activism is, however, faced with mounting challenges, including the escalating violence and widespread fighting, continued regime’s violent crackdown on its dissidents, and lack of funds.