Revolution in Syria: Identity, Networks, and Repression

Protest advancing diverse claims can turn into violent conflict occurring primarily along ethnic lines due to the challenge to the Syrian regime, which did not erupt neatly along ethnic boundaries. Ethnicization of conflict resulted from failed incumbent efforts to shore up network ties and the violence used by the Asad regime to crush dissent.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 300 pages
Publication date: 08 July 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This book delves into the intricate dynamics that transform peaceful protests advocating diverse claims into violent conflicts predominantly along ethnic lines. By examining the case of Syria, it sheds light on the complex factors that shape the course of conflict at the local level. Kevin Mazur, the author, demonstrates that the challenge to the Syrian regime did not emerge in a straightforward manner along ethnic lines. Instead, he highlights the crucial role played by access to state-controlled resources in shaping the conflict. The ethnicization of conflict, as Mazur suggests, emerged as a result of incumbent efforts to strengthen network ties and suppress dissent by excluding challengers from these networks.

To unravel the complexities of regime strategies, the roles played by local intermediaries, the choices between non-violent and violent resistance, and the significance of ethnicity, Mazur employs a diverse range of political and demographic characteristics of locales. He analyzes how these characteristics influence the strategies employed by the regime, the roles played by local actors, the inclination towards non-violent or violent forms of resistance, and the prominence of ethnicity in the conflict. By drawing attention to cross-ethnic ties, the book offers valuable insights into understanding ostensibly ethnic conflicts beyond the confines of Syria.

Through its comprehensive analysis, this book provides a valuable contribution to the field of conflict studies. It challenges the notion that ethnic conflicts are inherently intractable and highlights the importance of examining the broader political and social dynamics that contribute to their escalation. By exploring the case of Syria, it offers a blueprint for analyzing and addressing similar conflicts in other regions. The book's insights into the roles played by local intermediaries, the dynamics of resource access, and the interplay between regime strategies and resistance movements provide valuable tools for policymakers, activists, and scholars seeking to promote peace and stability in conflict-ridden societies.

Weight: 512g
Dimension: 152 x 227 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108824170