Two Eras, One Battle

This article critically examines the historical evolution and interpretations of the ‘right to communicate’ within the Arab world. First articulated by Jean d’Arcy in 1969, where he argued that ‘the right of man to communicate ... is the angle from which the future development of communication will have to be considered if it is to be fully understood’ (Dakroury 2009: 33; 2024: 98). This concept remains vital for understanding the future of communication. The study reviews unpublished United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization ( UNESCO ) reports from a 1982 Paris meeting—prepared by the Arab League of Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization ( ALECSO ) and UNESCO leaders—that assessed freedom of expression in the region, offering key historical insights. It also explores post-Arab Spring dynamics in which social media enabled dissent against state-controlled media, and highlights Al Jazeera—particularly Faisal Al Kasem’s program—as an example of media reflecting public needs, continuing Hamdy Kandil’s advocacy from the 1970s. By incorporating rare UNESCO archival findings, this research bridges past efforts with present realities, underscoring the ongoing struggle for communication rights and the transformative potential of responsive media in advancing democracy and dialogue

Battle · Democracy · Dissent · League · Mass media · Social media · Transformative learning · Media Studies and Communication · Middle East and Rwanda Conflicts · Social Media and Politics