Post-conflict governing options for Syria. (c2014)

Abstract

As domestic, regional, and international parties struggle to win the battle over Syria, a protracted conflict emerges without a revolutionary prospect. This thesis, examines different post-conflict mitigation propositions that have been implemented in ethnic and sectarian conflict prone countries. Three models are entertained: convocational, federal, and con-federal models. Countries compared are Lebanon, Iraq, Northern Ireland, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The choice for comparison is established based on the ethnic and sectarian similarities imbedded in these countries. Each arrangement is then mapped over Syrian context in order to reveal potential success. The thesis reveals that power sharing arrangement based on a combination of consociationalism and federalism is among the most plausible options for a successful post-conflict transition in Syria.