Civil War and the Common Man: Case Study – Syria 2011 – 2024 Research Project by Adwaiy Jain

Genesis of the Syrian civil war.

The roots of the Syrian civil war lie in decades of authoritarian rule. This created resentment from political exclusion, censorship, and poor economic management. The regime's strict control over political discourse and suppression of dissent created an environment of fear, limiting innovation and reducing foreign investment, thereby stunting economic growth. This poor economic management was compounded by widespread corruption and resource misallocation, resulting in a weakened infrastructure. These conditions raised unemployment, cut public services, and continued to affect civilians by exacerbating social inequalities and unrest. Young people, particularly students, faced limited job prospects and restricted educational opportunities, making it difficult for many to access resources or participate in campus activities. As essential services dwindled, the population's frustration grew, ultimately contributing to the seeds of the uprising.

Building on these frustrations, economic challenges further strained daily life. While Syria seemed stable before 2011, job opportunities grew scarce, particularly for young people, leading to increased poverty and hardships. A severe drought from 2006 to 2010 devastated rural farms, forcing over a million people to migrate to urban areas in search of work. This influx exacerbated urban poverty, resulting in overcrowded living conditions and expanding slums. Many citizens felt marginalised, losing faith in their government's ability to support them.

As these pressures mounted, the region was swept by the Arab Spring, which began in Tunisia in 2011 and inspired protests in Syria. Protesters demanded reform, accountability, and an end to corruption. Tensions escalated when teenagers were arrested and tortured for graffiti in Daara. Security forces responded with violence and mass arrests, resulting in deaths and nationwide outrage. The regime's reaction transformed peaceful protests into broader resistance.

To Read the Full Research Paper, please click on -