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Radwan Ziadeh
Director, Syrian Center for Political and Strategic Studies SCPSS
Professional Background
Radwan Ziadeh is a distinguished senior analyst at the Arab Center – Washington D.C., where he provides valuable insights into Middle Eastern affairs, especially in relation to human rights and governance. His expertise is bolstered by his role as the founder and director of the Damascus Center for Human Rights Studies, an organization dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights in Syria. Moreover, he is the co-founder and executive director of the Syrian Center for Political and Strategic Studies based in Washington, D.C., further showcasing his commitment to political advocacy and strategic analysis regarding Syrian issues.
Ziadeh is also a Visiting Scholar at the prestigious Center for the Study of Human Rights at Columbia University. He is a Fellow at the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU), which highlights his extensive background in social policy and understanding in a diverse context, particularly as it relates to the Arab world and broader human rights issues.
In addition to his current roles, he has served as the managing editor of the Transitional Justice Project in the Arab World and was the Head of the Syrian Commission for Transitional Justice, established by the Syrian Interim Government in November 2013. This Commission was pivotal in addressing the complex issues surrounding transitional justice, tackling war crimes, and fostering national reconciliation in post-conflict Syria.
Since the onset of the Syrian uprising on March 15, 2011, Radwan has been a crucial advocate for human rights in Syria, meticulously documenting the violations occurring during this tumultuous period. His contributions included testifying at both the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on two separate occasions and presenting before the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission in the U.S. Congress, where he raised awareness about the dire situation faced by Syrian citizens.
Ziadeh has also taken an active role in the Syrian political opposition, having been elected in October 2011 as the director of the Foreign Relations Office of the Syrian National Council, a position he held until November 2012. His insights and leadership during this time were instrumental in shaping the Council's foreign policy and diplomatic efforts.
Education and Achievements
Radwan Ziadeh holds an impressive academic background that supports his professional endeavors. He earned a Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) from Damascus University, which laid the groundwork for his initial career in the medical field. Building on this foundation, he pursued advanced studies and obtained a Diploma in International Human Rights Law from the College of Law at the American University in Washington D.C. This academic pursuit sharpened his understanding of legal frameworks governing human rights, particularly in the context of the Arab world.
His academic achievements continued as he completed a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Democracy and Governance from Georgetown University in Washington D.C., equipping him with essential knowledge about democratic systems and governance structures. Additionally, he has further enriched his expertise with a Certificate in Political Economy from The Johns Hopkins University - Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS).
Moreover, Ziadeh has an MBA from William & Mary, which enhances his strategic management and organizational capabilities, crucial in his various roles in policy advocacy and human rights. His thirst for knowledge culminated in a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution from Nova Southeastern University, solidifying his credentials in addressing complex issues of conflict and reconciliation.
Throughout his career, Radwan has authored more than twenty books in both English and Arabic, reflecting his deep knowledge and insights on Syrian affairs and broader Middle Eastern issues. His most recent publication, Syria's Role in a Changing Middle East: The Syrian-Israeli Peace Talks (2016), published by I.B.Tauris, underscores his scholarly contributions to understanding the geopolitical dynamics of the region.
Language Proficiency
Radwan Ziadeh is multilingual and communicates fluently in both Arabic (his native language) and English. Moreover, he possesses a working understanding of several other languages, including French, Spanish, German, and Turkish, which enables him to engage with diverse audiences and stakeholders effectively. This linguistic versatility is a critical asset in both his academic and advocacy work, ensuring he can collaborate and convey his insights across various cultural and linguistic contexts.
Contributions to Human Rights
Radwan's commitment to human rights is evident in every aspect of his career. He employs his extensive knowledge and experience to advocate for human rights, particularly in Syria, where he has been on the forefront documenting abuses and engaging in disc
