This chapter critically examines the role and influence of Syrian diaspora think tanks amidst the ongoing conflict, emphasizing the concepts of legitimacy and sovereignty in the context of non-state actors. The study explores the emergence and evolving impact of these institutions, which have risen in response to the Syrian Uprising of 2011. In a political landscape that traditionally associates legitimacy with state recognition, these think tanks have instead established credibility through expertise, transnational networks, and moral authority. This chapter highlights the structural challenges these think tanks face, including limited funding, restricted access to reliable data, and political fragmentation, while striving to offer relevant policy insights. Prior to the Uprising, Syria’s tightly controlled environment stifled independent research institutions. However, the ongoing conflict has provided the impetus for the rise of diaspora-based think tanks, which now play a crucial role in shaping policy debates. The analysis examines their complex relationships with key stakeholders and their contributions to public discourse, proposing strategies to enhance their sustainability and influence. By exploring how these think tanks navigate the shifting boundaries of sovereignty and legitimacy, this study underscores their critical role in shaping domestic policy and conflict trajectories. Despite the challenges, Syrian diaspora think tanks are carving out significant spaces for themselves, facilitating connections among diverse stakeholders and driving informed policy discussions grounded in localized expertise.

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The Role of Emerging Local Think Tanks During Conflict: A Case Study of Syrian Diaspora Think Tanks

  • Dina Ramadan

摘要

This chapter critically examines the role and influence of Syrian diaspora think tanks amidst the ongoing conflict, emphasizing the concepts of legitimacy and sovereignty in the context of non-state actors. The study explores the emergence and evolving impact of these institutions, which have risen in response to the Syrian Uprising of 2011. In a political landscape that traditionally associates legitimacy with state recognition, these think tanks have instead established credibility through expertise, transnational networks, and moral authority. This chapter highlights the structural challenges these think tanks face, including limited funding, restricted access to reliable data, and political fragmentation, while striving to offer relevant policy insights. Prior to the Uprising, Syria’s tightly controlled environment stifled independent research institutions. However, the ongoing conflict has provided the impetus for the rise of diaspora-based think tanks, which now play a crucial role in shaping policy debates. The analysis examines their complex relationships with key stakeholders and their contributions to public discourse, proposing strategies to enhance their sustainability and influence. By exploring how these think tanks navigate the shifting boundaries of sovereignty and legitimacy, this study underscores their critical role in shaping domestic policy and conflict trajectories. Despite the challenges, Syrian diaspora think tanks are carving out significant spaces for themselves, facilitating connections among diverse stakeholders and driving informed policy discussions grounded in localized expertise.