About Us
About Us
The Arab Reform Initiative is an independent think tank working with expert partners across the Middle East and North Africa and beyond, committed to articulating a home-grown agenda for democratic change.
In Memoriam
Bassma Kodmani, Founder
The Arab Reform Initiative was founded in 2004 by Bassma Kodmani, a scholar, diplomat, and tireless advocate for democratic change in the Arab world. Born in Syria, Kodmani dedicated her career to building bridges between civil society, policymakers, and the academic world, believing deeply that lasting reform must emerge from within the region itself.
As ARI's founding Executive Director, she shaped the organization's identity: its commitment to independent, home-grown analysis; its refusal to accept funding from governments in the region; and its insistence on placing local voices and perspectives at the center of every conversation about the future of the Arab world.
Her intellectual rigor, moral courage, and generosity of spirit left a profound mark on everyone who had the privilege of working alongside her. The projects she led, the fellows she mentored, and the research she championed continue to guide ARI's work today.
Bassma Kodmani's vision is ARI's foundation. We carry it forward.
Our Vision
ARI strives to become the leading regional hub for progressive ideas supporting inclusive democracy, full and equal citizenship, social justice, and environmental justice across the MENA region.
How We've Evolved
Pre-2011
Before the Arab uprisings, ARI focused on building pressure from below to instigate long-term social and institutional change through independent analysis and collaborative advocacy.
Post-2011
Following 2011, ARI's work shifted toward accompanying and consolidating transitions out of authoritarianism — addressing how street mobilization could translate into genuine political participation.
Post-Conflict
As authoritarianism's legacy and the rise of terrorism destabilized several countries, ARI expanded its focus: alerting to the risks of national fragmentation, defining security frameworks, and providing platforms for citizens to articulate the principles for rebuilding their societies.
Independence
Our Funding
ARI is funded through grants from private non-profit foundations in Europe and North America, and from a small number of governmental or state-affiliated agencies in the same regions. We insist on our full editorial independence. We do not accept funding from governments in the Middle East.