The Movement for a Pluralistic Society emerged in the early years of the Syrian uprising, as many Syrians rose against the authoritarian rule of Bashar al-Assad. Founded in 2012 by Randa Kassis, following her exclusion from both the Syrian National Council and the secular coalition after warning against the growing influence of Islamists and jihadists within the opposition and the Free Syrian Army, the Movement took shape in exile as a response to the regime’s brutality and the urgent need to offer a democratic, secular, and inclusive alternative. From its inception, it sought not only to oppose dictatorship but also to lay the groundwork for a political vision that embraces Syria’s diversity and aspires to build a state rooted in freedom, justice, and citizenship.
From the outset, the Movement sought to provide a clear political alternative. It called for the establishment of a federal Syrian state with autonomous administrations that take account of both economic and geographical realities, as the only viable path to protect the country’s diversity and ensure democratic coexistence. The Movement affirms that only federalism, combined with a secular and democratic constitutional order, can preserve Syria’s plurality, safeguard individual freedoms, and guarantee equality for all citizens.
Grounded in the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Movement works to deepen democratic awareness, promote critical thinking about liberty, and advance a culture of citizenship over sectarian, tribal, or familial affiliations. It affirms the equality of men and women in rights and duties, and upholds the belief that Syria’s rich mosaic of identities is not a weakness but a foundation for peace, justice, and enduring strength.