The Future of Syria: Political and Economic Challenges after the Fall of the Assad Regime
The Future of Syria: Political and Economic Challenges after the Fall of the Assad Regime
Recording of the panel discussion on 29 January 2025 at the oiip
The panel traced Syria’s trajectory through 14 years of conflict, beginning with the social movement in 2011, which evolved into a brutal military conflict involving regional and international powers, and culminating in the fall of Assad in 2024. The dynamics of the conflict have been shaped by devastating violence, external interventions, and the fragmentation of the country and society into zones controlled by state and non-state actors. This period saw the rise of identity politics, fundamentalism, and conflict economies that perpetuated division and instability. The prolonged conflict has deeply impacted Syria’s development, with widespread socio-economic devastation, institutional collapse, and a fragmented national identity. The discussion explored political and development challenges, including rebuilding, inclusive governance, addressing socio-economic disparities, and navigating the legacies of conflict. Potential options for fostering stability and sustainable development also were analyzed, focusing on mechanisms to overcome fragmentation and lay the foundation for a cohesive Syria.
Moderator:
Cengiz Günay
oiip
Discussants:
Rabie Nasser
SCPR & Department of Development Studies
Diana Bashur
Department of Political Science
This was a panel discussion in cooperation with the Department of Development Studies at University of Vienna and the Syrian Center for Policy Research (SCPR).