ICS Seminar Series

People of Arabic-speaking background are often seen to be either disengaged from mainstream political life or too easily radicalised, swayed by extremist ideologies and prone to violence. Neither view adequately conveys their diverse experiences of civic and political participation. This paper draws on research with members of the Hands off Syria organisation to explore one example of the sustained forms of political talk and action amongst Arab-Australians and the spaces (physical and virtual) in which they occur. This (very much work-in-progress) paper examines the ensemble of activities and perspectives that constitute a vibrant counterpublic that often bypasses...(see website for full)