Social Media, Direct Democracy and Iran

Tom Friedman penned a great column today in the New York Times discussing the reversal of a trend whereby democracy in the Middle East assisted in bringing to power more radical Islamic elements to governing positions in Iran, Iraq, Lebanon and Palestine over the last few years.  Now, demonstrated by the power of Twitter and Facebook, Iran’s “democratic” re-election of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is being challenged by large swaths of the local population, threatening the legitimacy of the Islamic rule in Iran.  Friedman points out that the failure of other Islamic movements in the rest of the aforementioned countries, may assist in the democratic weakening or removal of radical groups in favor of more moderate forces.

In short, democracy in the Middle East stands the chance of bringing the pendulum back to the political center after years of growing Islamic power.  This was the strategy behind the Bush adminstration’s push for democracy in that region.  Ironically, it was Bush’s lack of positive engagement in the region that assisted in bringing these Islamic movements to power in the first place.  The Obama administration is now standing to benefit from more moderate and Western-friendly governments, ready to capitalize on a more American-friendly diplomatic position.

The real lesson from Iran, in my opinion, is that social media tools offer the power in direct democracy.  With little outlet to express frustration and protest over the elections in Iran, Twitter, Facebook and other social media platforms give unfiltered views and opinions for local voters to share with the rest of the world.  In the process these sentiments have captured the world’s attention, built a growing protest movement in Iran threatening the regime, and has helped organize the opposition in ways which could not exist before these social media tools existed.

For politicos in the US, I see Iran lesson teaching us to be cognizant of situations that can help political movements or political candidates make their case and win popular support.  Social media is the natural and best outlet to speak directly with supporters.  But most importantly, after engaging in that conversation and helping to set its tone, stand back and let your supporters self organize and communicate with their own networks.  Voters have to be trusted and by putting issues and passions into their own hands, they will pass on the rewards better and faster than a centralized movement.