039 - The Changing Activism Paradigm

039 - The Changing Activism Paradigm

Author: Arab Tyrant Manual Podcast February 11, 2022 Duration: 1:04:53

Iyad and Ahmed discuss human rights and political activism around the world, and why it seems to fail so often.

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Episode Time tags:

2:00 – Feelings of pointlessness in human rights activism

4:30 – "Folk politics"

6:00 – Trump, pandemic & a new phase in geopolitics

10:00 – How do we continue human rights work into the future

16:30 – Creating solutions & tools

20:00 – Incrementalism vs radical change

26:00 – Centring people, not policy

31:30 – Outdated outlooks & ineptitude

36:00 – Climate change as a global crisis

41:00 – Changing politics & spheres of influence

43:00 – Legal challenges, boycotts & sanctions

50:00 – Establishing a theory of change

56:00 – Raising awareness vs creating change

59:00 – Thinking systemically rather than specifically

1:01:00 – Demonstrating leadership in human rights


Hosted by Iyad El-Baghdadi and Ahmed Gatnash, the Arab Tyrant Manual Podcast is a detailed examination of how power is consolidated and abused across the world. While grounded in the complex political realities of the Middle East and North Africa, the analysis extends far beyond, dissecting the universal playbook used by authoritarian regimes. Each episode breaks down a specific strategy or tactic, from propaganda and surveillance to coercion and legal manipulation, explaining not just how these mechanisms function but why they are so effective. This isn't merely an academic exercise; the conversation consistently turns toward the practical methods of resistance and resilience employed by citizens and movements pushing back against repression. Listening to this podcast provides a clearer lens through which to understand current events, framing the headlines within the deeper, often hidden, structures of control and dissent. The discussions are informed, nuanced, and directly engaged with the stakes of political freedom, offering listeners a vital toolkit for deciphering the actions of modern governments. You'll find the Arab Tyrant Manual Podcast to be an essential resource for anyone seeking to comprehend the enduring struggle between authoritarianism and the human desire for self-determination, all through candid, expert analysis that connects regional expertise to global patterns.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 45

Arab Tyrant Manual Podcast
Podcast Episodes
004 -Scholars and Tyrants [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:06
Ahmed and Iyad talk about #globalpeace17 and Muslim scholars who legitimise and support tyrants. Why they do so, and what does this mean both for the Muslim world and for Islam? People mentioned in this episode: Womens r…
003 - Iran Protests [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:19
Ahmed and Iyad discuss the protests in Iran, what they're about, and what they mean for the future. Mentioned in this episode: Jamal Khashoggi's article on Saudi's response: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/global-opi…
002 – Saudi Reforms (Part 2) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:41
In episode 2, Ahmed and Iyad continue the discussion on Saudi Arabia. Obama's legacy, what's behind it's regional rivalry with Iran, and how can their historical differences tell us more about their wordviews. How can we…
001 – Saudi Reforms (Part 1) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:25
In our first episode, Iyad and Ahmed discuss the recent events in Saudi Arabia, and what Mohammed bin Salman's reforms mean in context. Got any thoughts? Tweet us @iyad_elbaghdadi, @gatnash. #ArabTyrantManual