Actors and Dynamics in the Syrian Conflict's Middle Phase: Between Contentious Politics, Militarization and Regime Resilience

This book covers the Syrian uprising from 2012 to 2018, a period of significant change and conflict. It explores the failure of non-violent protest, the rise of violent insurrection, and the consequences of civil war, including failing statehood, rebel governance, polarized social forces, external intervention, a predatory war economy, and massive displacement. It offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the Syrian conflict.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 436 pages
Publication date: 18 March 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive volume delves into the pivotal and transformative era of the Syrian uprising, spanning approximately from 2012, when peaceful protests gradually transformed into a violent insurgency and civil war, until roughly 2018, when the conflict assumed characteristics of a frozen conflict. The middle period holds significant importance as one of the critical junctures or turning points, where the trajectory of the struggle could have taken vastly different directions. Initially, non-violent protest efforts aimed at bringing about democratization failed, giving rise to a violent insurrection. Similarly, the revolution from below and the regime's counter-insurgency strategies also proved unsuccessful, leading to the prolonged and devastating civil war as the default outcome.

Furthermore, the consequences of the civil war became increasingly evident through six distinct themes. Firstly, the coexistence of failing statehood alongside regime resilience became a prevailing reality. Secondly, the emergence of rebel governance posed a viable challenge to the authoritarian regime. Thirdly, social forces experienced profound polarization, further escalating the conflict's complexity. Fourthly, external actors played a role in exacerbating internal divisions within Syria. Fifthly, a predatory war economy emerged, characterized by economic exploitation and violence. Lastly, the intensity of violence led to the massive displacement of the population, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

In order to comprehensively understand this complex phenomenon, this book adopts an innovative and interdisciplinary approach. By drawing upon a wide range of sources and perspectives, it aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the Syrian conflict. This book will be of immense interest to academics, students, journalists, and policy-makers who are actively engaged in studying the Syrian civil war. It offers valuable insights and perspectives that will contribute to a deeper understanding of this ongoing crisis and its broader implications for the region and the world.

Weight: 696g
Dimension: 157 x 235 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032185125