This episode of The IR thinker returns to Syria more than a decade after the outbreak of war, asking what the country looks like today, who exercises control on the ground, and how regional and external powers shape its future. The discussion addresses the evolution of ISIS and other jihadist groups, President Bashar al-Assad’s position, the roles of Turkey, Russia and Iran, Syria’s readmission to the Arab League, and the wider idea of a “new Middle East”.

Christopher Phillips

Christopher Phillips is Professor of International Relations at Queen Mary University of London, specialising in the politics and international relations of the Middle East. Having lived in Syria for several years, he continues to engage closely with the region through regular research trips. Professor Phillips has published widely in leading academic journals and also writes for major international outlets such as The Guardian, The Washington Post and The Atlantic.

Publications:

What Next for Britain in the Middle East?

Everyday Arab Identity

The Battle for Syria

Battleground

From revolutions to rapprochement: The end of the ‘2011 era’ in the Middle East?

Northern Syria has become Erdogan’s punchbag

The international system and the Syrian civil war

The Arabism Debate and the Arab Uprisings

‘What is in a Name?’: The Role of (Different) Identities in the Multiple Proxy Wars in Syria

Content

00:00 Introduction
02:06 Islamic State (ISIS) and Syria in 2023
06:46 Al-Qaeda, ISIS in Syria and Hayʼat Tahrir al-Sham
13:41 President Bashar al-Assad and Terrorists
19:38 President Bashar al-Assad Tactics and the Opposition
22:00 Who is Fighting in Syria in 2023?
29:45 Turkey’s Goals in Syria
37:13 Russia, Iran & Syria
51:00 The Concept of ‘2011 era’ / Syrian Reacceptance to the Arab League
58:47 Western Reaction to the Arab League Decision to Reaccept Syria
01:01:40 Western Sanctions on Syria
01:06:47 The Concept of ‘New Middle East’