Political Science Report: Syrian Conflict and Global Power Shifts

This report delves into the Syrian conflict, examining its origins during the Arab Spring and the subsequent shift in power dynamics among foreign states in the Middle East. It explores the roles of key players like Russia, the US, China, Iran, and Turkey, and how their involvement has led to new alliances and conflicts. The report discusses the humanitarian crisis, including the refugee situation and the influence of non-state actors. It analyzes the 'semi-sectarian' nature of the conflict, challenging simplistic interpretations and emphasizing the interplay of class, ideology, and other factors. The report also examines the rise of a 'transactional state' and the impact of external actors on Syria's political landscape, drawing on the provided sources to offer a comprehensive understanding of the conflict's complexities and its implications for international relations. The report uses sources from Journeyman Pictures, Chatham House and Third World Quarterly.

The Syrian Conflict 1
Title
Student’s Name
Institute
Professor
Course Code and Name
Date

The Syrian Conflict 2
How did the Syrian conflict change the power relations of foreign states in the Middle
East?
The Syrian Conflict which was started at the heights of Arab spring that resulted in the
downfall of many monarchs in middle eastern countries. The Citizens who were against the
ruling Assad family in power started to protest in support of democracy for Syrian people.
This movement was supported by NATO countries especially the US. Assad’s family has
been in support of Russia since the time of cold wars, Russia had the best interest in the
Middle East with Syria being its main ally in the region. Assad started to mercilessly suppress
the revolt in Syria which was opposed in UN and they came with a resolution against the
Assad regime which got VETO by Russia and China both the countries cited their National
interest in support of Assad Regime wherein the US blamed them in supporting the Terrorism
against the democracy. So basically, the Syrian conflict has triggered tension between NATO
and Russia, China and Iran (They are in good terms with Assad).
Who gained influence, who lost influence, and which new alliances have emerged?
During the initial days of crisis in Syria, when Assad resorted to violence to suppress
the crowd protesting against the Regime. Many innocent people died due to heavy use of
artillery cities were destroyed homes were burnt which ultimately led to Refugee Crisis as
many Syrians started fleeing. 3 countries Turkey, Jordan and Lebanon opened their borders
on Humanitarian grounds. Hosting refugees in a country would lead to getting funds from
non-state actors so these countries were trying to gain control through the refugees in the
region by manipulating the refugees to speak against their country’s regime. Iran coming to
the support of the Syrian Government was a strong backing to the alliance in the region and
Turkey is a NATO member after backing against the Syrian regime the Anti-Assad front got
steady support via Turkey from NATO countries.

The Syrian Conflict 3
Bibliography
Journeyman Pictures. (2012). The Women of Syria's Civil War. Retrieved 15 April 2020,
from https://www.youtube.com/watch?
time_continue=86&v=fl9Ogldqg6c&feature=emb_title
Khatib, L., & Sinjab, L. (2018). Syria’s Transactional State How the Conflict Changed the
Syrian State’s Exercise of Power. The Middle East And North Africa Programme, 2-32.
Phillips, C. (2015). Sectarianism and conflict in Syria. Third World Quarterly, 36(2), 357-
376. doi: 10.1080/01436597.2015.1015788