Foundational Principles & Strategic Positioning
Tukhum Institute for Syria-Israel Affairs is a Syrian-led think tank aimed at the promotion of diplomatic and geopolitical transparency. We do this by creating a public, civil, and strategic space where Syrians and non-Syrians can critically reflect on, prepare, and enact post-conflict regional futures without fear or manipulation. Indeed, we believe that state secrecy and shadow negotiations with Israel have historically served authoritarian regimes and geopolitical agendas rather than ordinary Syrian citizens.
In both Arabic and Hebrew, tukhum is a term that refers to the natural borderlands that exist between socially and politically bounded spaces — like homes, agricultural fields, estates, and even nation-states. Not merely a border that separates land, tukhum also function as political buffers that create space between different entities in order to (safely) relate them. Informed by this understanding of spaces that both separate and relate, Tukhum Institute’s mission lies in creating a (de-militarized) zone of exchange between borders and across them.
While Tukhum Institute aims to create a buffer, it does not seek to endorse specific outcomes that pertain to the future of Syrian-Israeli relations — whether that be continued embargo, diplomatic normalization, or any other defined framework. Instead, our work is rooted in the belief that Syrian citizens deserve the right – and the space – to safely partake in building a geopolitical future for the region, one in which foreign policy arises out of participatory processes and societal consensus.
Tukhum Institute provides a forum to evaluate deeply-entrenched socio-political taboos and enmities; to break with historic and ongoing state narratives; and to generate new political histories and alternatives that integrate the collective memories of Syria’s diverse communities. Tukhum Institute exists to prepare Syrians for this work. And it does so through a research-based, dialogue-driven, and community-centric approach whose goal is to produce a post-conflict era where genuine public debate and foreign policy choices are possible.
Mission Statement
Tukhum Institute for Syria-Israel Affairs is a Syrian-led think tank that critically explores the complex histories, realities, and futures of Syrian–Israeli relations. We do this through a research-based, dialogue-driven, and community-centric approach. We also seek to break imposed silences, unpack hegemonic narratives, and prepare for post-conflict scenarios in which Syrians could play an active role in shaping geopolitical and foreign policy — especially those pertaining to Syrian–Israeli relations. In that regard, Tukhum Institute aims to create a demilitarized zone for critical thinking and debate that is rooted in the dignity, agency, and interests of ordinary people. Importantly, we also foster context-sensitive collaboration with Israeli Track II actors to address shared challenges and cross-border concerns.
Vision
Tukhum Institute works toward a future where Syrians could meaningfully engage regional and foreign policy– especially Syrian-Israeli politics – with clarity, courage, and agency. We strive to create a forum where ordinary citizens, civil society actors, and political leaders from all sides can think critically, address shared concerns, and co-produce solutions founded on mutual justice, recognition, and respect.
Objectives
- Strategic Research and Analysis — we operate as an independent think tank producing analysis on affairs pertaining to Syria and Israel.
- Narrative and Memory Work — we aim to critically unpack political histories and create spaces for collaboration across borders.
- Dialogue Facilitation — we act as a platform for conflict-sensitive civil society engagement.
- Joint Civic Engagement — we support shared civil society projects on a diversity of common issues in the region.
- Capacity Building and Foresight — we empower ordinary Syrians to plan and lead future-oriented regional initiatives.
- Track II Diplomacy — we work on people-to-people diplomacy, including dialogues between academics, state and former officials, activists, humanitarian actors, and community leaders.
- Religious Engagement — we engage religious voices and institutions in fostering mutual understanding and cooperation across lines of faith.