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The book reviews the democratization dilemma in the Middle East, describes the unique role that technology played in the pursuit of democracy, and analyses the contributions and impact of expat communities on that process. It is based on over 60 in-depth interviews with dissidents, expat leaders, journalist, and researchers.

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Taking Syria and Iran as case studies, this book explores how expatriate groups have used tools such as technology and new media to influence political discourse and to irrevocably alter the political dynamics both in their home countries and in the Middle East at large. Based on over 60 in-depth interviews with dissidents, expat leaders, journalists and researchers from Syria and Iran that were conducted both before and after the Arab Spring, the author examines the tripartite relationship between technology, dissent and democratization. This approach offers a unique perspective on contemporary geopolitics in the Middle East and considers possible scenarios for the future of the region.

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Contents: Media, Technology and the Quest for Democracy - Communicating Democracy In The Middle East - Media, New Media and Democracy - Media and Open Society - E-Challenge of Democratization and the Middle East - Diasporas of Middle East Descent - Syrian Opposition Groups - Iranian opposition Groups - Use of ICT by Pro-Democracy Expat Groups to Deliver Political Messages - ICT and Civil Society? The Beginning of the Arab Spring - Virtual Difference and the Meaning of New Media.

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"Boms´s work is a welcome addition to the existing literature."
(Patrycja Sasnal, Israel Journal of Foreign Affairs, 2017)

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Nir T. Boms is a research fellow at the Moshe Dayan Center for Middle Eastern and African Studies at Tel Aviv University and a professor at the Rothberg School of the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. His research interests include the Middle East, dissidents, democratization, and terrorism.

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