The Movement for a Democratic Society, commonly referred to as TEV-DEM, was established in 2011 in the context of the burgeoning Syrian civil war. The organization was formed primarily by the Kurdish political movement and aimed to create an alternative governance structure in a country plagued by dictatorial rule and civil unrest. TEV-DEM advocated for democratic confederalism, a political philosophy inspired by the ideology of Abdullah Öcalan, the imprisoned leader of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). This philosophy emphasizes a decentralized and grassroots approach to governance, encouraging diverse communities to govern themselves through local councils while fostering cooperation among them.

TEV-DEM's establishment was a response to the increasing discontent among various ethnic groups in Syria, especially the Kurdish population who had faced significant repression. The organization aimed not only to empower Kurdish voices but also to create an inclusive political framework that recognized the rights and identities of all ethnicities in the region. With the ongoing political turmoil, TEV-DEM sought to position itself as a legitimate authority that could offer stability and an alternative governance model amidst the chaos.

As the Syrian civil war intensified, TEV-DEM began to implement its principles on the ground by establishing democratic structures and councils in Kurdish-majority areas, particularly in northern Syria. This initiative was crucial as it created a foundation for self-governance and social services independent of the central Syrian government. TEV-DEM developed various democratic institutions, promoting education, health care, and economic development based on communal self-management, which significantly changed the socio-political dynamics in those areas.