Rise and Fall of Greater Syria: A Political History of the Syrian Social Nationalist Party

The Syrian Social Nationalist Party (SSNP) is a Syrian nationalist party that devoted itself to reviving and unifying the Syrian nation and establishing its complete independence over Greater Syria. The party remains largely unknown and misunderstood due to the lack of comprehensive study of it. This book fills this gap by providing a thorough examination of the SSNP's formation, evolution, and political activities in Lebanon and Syria, detailing its struggle to fulfill its nationalist vision and establish a secular, independent state in Greater Syria.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 302 pages
\n Publication date: 19 April 2021
\n Publisher: De Gruyter
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The Syrian Social Nationalist Party (SSNP) was a dedicated organization committed to the revival and unity of the Syrian nation, with the ultimate goal of achieving complete independence over its historical homeland, Greater Syria. This unwavering commitment continues to shape Lebanese and Syrian society and politics today. However, despite its significant influence, the SSNP remains largely unknown and misunderstood, largely due to the lack of comprehensive studies on the party. This book aims to fill this gap and provide a comprehensive examination of the SSNP's early history, political organization, and movement, which embodied the most explicit and cogent expression of Syrian nationalism.

Historians, scholars, and observers of the Middle East have historically neglected and ignored Syrian nationalism and nationalist movements, including the SSNP. This lack of detailed and nuanced analyses has resulted in significant gaps in the party's rich history, which have allowed inaccuracies and misperceptions to persist regarding its past. Given the SSNP's ongoing relevance in Lebanon and Syria, a thorough examination of its early history is even more necessary.

The monograph, based on an extensive and thorough examination of Arabic, French, and English primary sources, is the first comprehensive and systematic history of the SSNP to date. It delves into the party's formation, evolution, and political activities in Lebanon and Syria, providing a detailed analysis of its struggle to fulfill its nationalist vision and establish a secular, independent state in Greater Syria.

The SSNP emerged during a period of political upheaval and social unrest in the Middle East, particularly in the aftermath of World War I. The party's founders, including intellectuals, politicians, and military officers, were driven by a desire to reclaim Greater Syria, which had been divided among foreign powers following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire. The SSNP's ideology was rooted in Syrian nationalism, which emphasized the cultural, linguistic, and historical unity of the Syrian people.

The party's early years were marked by a series of internal struggles and ideological debates, as the founders sought to define the party's platform and goals. The SSNP's early leaders, such as Michel Aflaq and George Habash, played a crucial role in shaping the party's ideology and organizing its members. They emphasized the need for a secular, democratic state that would protect the rights and freedoms of all Syrian citizens, regardless of their religion or ethnicity.

The SSNP's political activities in Lebanon and Syria were instrumental in shaping the political landscape of both countries. The party played a significant role in the Lebanese Civil War, which lasted from 1975 to 1990, supporting the Lebanese National Movement and opposing the Syrian occupation of Lebanon. The SSNP also played a role in the Syrian uprising.

The SSNP's influence in Lebanon and Syria extended beyond its political activities. The party's ideology and principles influenced the development of nationalist movements and political parties in both countries, particularly during the 1960s and 1970s. The SSNP's emphasis on secularism, democracy, and social justice resonated with many Lebanese and Syrian citizens who sought to break away from the authoritarian regimes that ruled their countries at the time.

Despite its significant contributions to the Syrian and Lebanese political landscapes, the SSNP has faced challenges and setbacks throughout its history. The party has been accused of promoting sectarianism and violence, particularly during the Lebanese Civil War. The party's support for a secular, democratic state has also been seen as a threat by some religious and ethnic groups in both countries, who have sought to maintain their dominance and control over the political sphere.

Despite these challenges, the SSNP remains a significant force in Lebanese and Syrian society and politics today. The party's commitment to Syrian nationalism and its vision of a secular, independent state in Greater Syria continues to inspire and motivate many Syrian citizens and Lebanese citizens who seek to promote social justice, democracy, and human rights in their countries.

In conclusion, the Syrian Social Nationalist Party (SSNP) was a dedicated organization committed to the revival and unity of the Syrian nation, with the ultimate goal of achieving complete independence over its historical homeland, Greater Syria. The party's unwavering commitment continues to shape Lebanese and Syrian society and politics today, despite its largely unknown and misunderstood status. This book provides a comprehensive examination of the SSNP's early history, political organization, and movement, which embodied the most explicit and cogent expression of Syrian nationalism. The SSNP's ideology and principles influenced the development of nationalist movements and political parties in both countries, and its influence extended beyond its political activities. Despite facing challenges and setbacks, the SSNP remains a significant force in Lebanese and Syrian society and politics today, inspiring and motivating many Syrian citizens and Lebanese citizens who seek to promote social justice, democracy, and human rights in their countries.

\n Weight: 576g\n
Dimension: 164 x 236 x 24 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9783110728477\n \n