Explaining the Collapse of the Syrian Political System from a Political Economy Perspective

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 PhD Student in Regional Studies, Faculty of Law and Political Science, Allameh Tabatabae'i University, Tehran, Iran (Corresponding author).

2 Associate Professor of International Relations, Faculty of Law and Political Science, Allameh Tabatabae'i University, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

This article investigates the developments in Syria since 2011, providing an in-depth analysis of the intricate relationship between its political economy and the collapse of the state. Following the eruption and persistence of social and political unrest, Syria’s economy, like other sectors, endured severe and extensive damage, culminating in the disintegration of governmental structures and the exacerbation of existing social, economic, political, and security cleavages. While initially, despite significant territorial losses and severe vulnerabilities, the survival of the ruling regime was maintained, December 8, 2024, marked a pivotal turning point in the nation’s history. The rapid expansion of rebel and opposition forces’ positions and their substantial advances in less than 12 days ultimately led to the downfall of the 54-year rule of the Assad family. The primary objective of this research is to critically examine and assess the profound impact of the war-induced economic crisis on Syria’s political dynamics and power configurations. The central research question is: How did the economic collapse precipitated by the war lead to the systematic weakening and ultimate disintegration of state structures, profound political transformations, and the eventual demise of the regime in Syria? In response, this study hypothesizes that the war-induced economic crisis – through the multifaceted processes of eroding the state’s political legitimacy, fostering crony capitalism, institutionalizing structural corruption, generating rampant inflation, diminishing financial capacities, obliterating vital infrastructure, and fueling widespread public discontent – significantly intensified political instability and deepened social divisions, thereby directly precipitating the collapse of the state. This research employs an explanatory methodology, drawing upon meticulously collected data from comprehensive library resources and specialized academic websites.

Keywords

References

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History

  • Receive Date: 27 September 2025
  • Revise Date: 25 October 2025
  • Accept Date: 31 May 2026

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