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antenna is an interdisciplinary laboratory that adopts innovative methods, fosters transformative encounters and supports networks of transnational solidarity in response to the growing authoritarianism.info@antenna-lab.org
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02.
lab for futures
lab for futures develops methodologies, frameworks, and tools for constructing alternative futures in contexts where authoritarian governance constrains communities and the civil society. Primarily through collective imagination as a radical form of political practice, the lab explores how collective imagination can generate strategies for social transformation and resistance to repressive power structures.
radical imagineries
Human rights advocacy in Turkey has long been fraught with challenges, particularly for those addressing the Kurdish issue. Especially since 2015, the escalation of violence surrounding this conflict and the introduction of a more aggressive “hard security” paradigm have fundamentally altered the landscape of civic engagement. The state’s aggressive national security rhetoric has systematically eroded civic space, particularly impacting those who advocate for marginalized communities, including Kurdish activists, women, and LGBTI+ individuals. This period has seen a marked increase in repression, including legal harassment, arbitrary detention, and targeted violence against rights defenders.
The dominant “hard security” approach, characterized by militarization and mass surveillance, criminalizes dissent and reinforces a culture of fear. This strategy paints Kurdish identity and political opposition as threats to national security, resulting in widespread repression of peaceful expression. The aftermath of the 2016 coup attempt led to emergency decrees that facilitated the closure of numerous civil society organizations, particularly those focused on Kurdish rights. Consequently, this environment stifles political activism that challenges state narratives and marginalizes the voices of those advocating for justice and equality.
The pervasive invocation of national security laws to criminalize dissent has resulted in a chilling effect on civic engagement, with activists facing threats, stigmatization, and judicial harassment. The relentless attacks on civil society organizations have not only led to self-censorship but have also discouraged potential activists from engaging in the human rights sector. This dynamic fosters a belief that authorities are hostile towards dissent, creating a barrier to meaningful community organizing and advocacy.
In this context of rising authoritarianism and ultra-nationalism, it is essential to envision alternatives to the current understanding of “security.” This project aims to advocate for radical rethinking of security frameworks, challenging the notion that state violence and oppressive measures are necessary evils. By exploring radical alternatives, we seek to empower communities and activists to transcend mere survival strategies and reclaim their agency to imagine and shape a future beyond oppression.
Imagining radical alternatives is crucial, especially in a political climate where conventional civil society tools, such as protests and legal advocacy, often fall short. Our project will aim to foster the creation of alternative spaces for justice, freedom, and safety that defy the constraints imposed by the national security paradigm. Through community engagement and innovative methodologies, we aim to cultivate new narratives and frameworks that challenge the status quo and contribute to building a radically different future in Turkey.
By addressing these pressing issues and advocating for an expansive understanding of security, our project seeks to bolster the resilience of civil society in the face of oppression and contribute to the ongoing struggle for peace and equality for all marginalized communities.
UPCOMING
2026
2026
team:
Özgür Sevgi Göral
Duru Yavan