Mission

CLIME is a transatlantic initiative to support individuals and groups in the Middle East that are promoting democratic values of liberty and tolerance. Many of these “voices of liberty” are largely unseen and unknown, not only in the United States and Europe but also within their own societies. They face a combination of heavy government censorship, language barriers and a lack of financial resources. By supporting their work, CLIME aims to promote peaceful transitions in the region to political systems that rest on the pillars of representative government, rule of law, separation of powers, individual rights, economic opportunity, and respect for ethnic, religious and political diversity.

• Monitor and analyze progress and setbacks in the long path towards free, representative and prosperous societies in the Middle East region.
• Raise the profile of democratic reformers in the Middle East among Western policy makers, government officials, and media.
• Foster dialogue between policy makers in Europe, the United States, and other democracies on how best to advance representative government, rule of law and individual liberties in the Middle East
• Support local activists in the region to engage their societies on key concepts of democracy and the paths to democratic transitions.

• Publications: We conduct research and commission briefs and in-depth papers relating to political liberalization and reform in the Middle East that are distributed to thousands of policy makers, government officials, academics and journalists in the United States and Europe.
• Media: Our fellows and advisors appear frequently in the media to comment on Middle East policy with a particular focus on democratization and human rights.
• Events: We host conferences, seminars and speaking tours to facilitate networking for liberal reformers in the Middle East with each other, and with activists, policy makers and media in Europe and the United States.
• Training Institute: We partner with local organizations in the region to provide activism training and democracy education. Our activism training programs teach skills such as strategic communications, grassroots outreach, election campaign management, lobbying and communications technology.  Our democracy education programs develop materials and courses aimed at deepening understanding of the principles and practice of liberal democracy among intellectuals, activists, academics and youth.
• Voices of Liberty: This project aims to serve as a guide to the leading figures in the Middle East who are promoting democratic values. Through translations of their writings and coverage of their activities, we hope to improve their reach both within the Middle East and with Western audiences.

About CLIME

CLIME is based in Washington D.C. with representatives and formal partners in London, Iraq, Jordan and Turkey. Our activities and research are funded by individuals, private foundations and grants from international organizations and governments.