Over the past five years, the Arab World has faced a series of multifaceted crises that have significantly impacted governance systems and legitimacy. These crises have led to a growing disillusionment among Arab youth and a decline in formal political engagement. This policy brief examines the factors contributing to this demobilization across three levels: international, regional, and national.
At the international level, global challenges such as climate change, economic instability, conflict, and the spread of misinformation have fueled frustration and disengagement. At the regional level, in addition to conflicts and insecurity, entrenched systemic issues, including corruption, the absence of long-term youth-focused policies, and the lack of spaces for expression and engagement, have further alienated young people. At the national level, Jordan serves as a case study to illustrate how these broader dynamics shape youth perceptions and civic participation within a specific country context.
In response to these challenges, young people have turned to informal activism, including digital engagement, community-based initiatives, and cultural resistance. This policy brief explores the potential and constraints of these alternative avenues, shedding light on how youth navigate restrictive political environments to assert their agency. Ultimately, it provides policy recommendations for governments, civil society, and youth to foster inclusive political participation and rebuild trust in governance structures.
