About

An iRevolution is the individual’s revolution in self-sufficiency, self-determination and self-survival facilitated by information communication technology. iRevolutions take place when new technology or innovative applications empower the individual to make better decisions for her or himself in times of crisis. iRevolutionaries can be described as individuals who undertake nonviolent activity by relying primarily on their own skills or networks to conduct their actions.

In the context of complex humanitarian emergencies, iRevolutions such as Ushahidi’s crowdsourcing mapping platform promotes more distributed, real-time information on situational awareness in conflict situations. In terms of digital activism, iRevolutions include tactical uses of mobile phones and SMS to inform strategic nonviolent action. As for financial services, mobile banking is a promising iRevolution in the making. In other words, this blog relates to my international consulting work on the rapidly changing role of information communication technology (ICT) in the humanitarian space and to my applied dissertation research on digital activism in repressive regimes.

The common thread is technology. Communication tools used by activists in repressive environments can also be used by humanitarian organizations responding to unfolding crises, and vice versa. Mapping tools developed for crisis mapping can also be used by digital activists to coordinate nonviolent action. In short, if a piece of technology works in a humanitarian crisis setting or repressive context, the technology will work anywhere.

The normative motivation behind this blog is based on the recognition by “many scholars and practitioners that the techniques associated with strategic nonviolent social movements are greatly enhanced by access to modern information communication technologies, such as mobile telephony, short message service (SMS), email and the World Wide Web, among others” (Walker 2007). For further information, please see the executive summary of my dissertation research.

Note: the views expressed here do not represent those of the organizations/institutions I work for and have worked for.

Patrick Philippe Meier