Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

Maps

Introduction

Chapter One: The Rise and Fall of the Ba'ath Party

Chapter Two: The Syrian Uprising

Chapter Three: The Emergence of Armed Opposition

Chapter Four: When the World Wades In

Chapter Five: Fragmentation

Chapter Six: The Humanitarian Crisis

Conclusion: Prospects for Resolution

Bibliography

About the Author

Samer N. Abboud is Associate Professor of International Studies at the Department of Historical and Political Studies, Arcadia University

Reviews

"This book brings together the phases and dimensions of the Syrian conflict in a uniquely convincing and comprehensive way. This is prefaced by a useful overview of the historical context of the Uprising. The book’s sections on the militarisation of the conflict are especially valuable."
Raymond Hinnebusch, University of St Andrews

Samer Abboud offers a cogent survey of multiple dimensions of the Syrian civil war. Readers will find authoritative, yet accessible, treatments of the radical Islamists of the Assistance Front (Jabhat al-Nusra) and the Islamic State, the innovative Kurdish autonomy projent, the horrendous economic and human costs of the fighting, and the puzzling responses of foreign actors, particularly Russia and the United Nations, among many other crucial topics.
Fred H. Lawson, Mills College

"Theoretically sophisticated and empirically rich, Abboud provides a compelling, nuanced account of the Syrian conflict. Challenging simplistic views of Syria's revolution and its descent into civil war, this incisive study will be required reading for anyone who wishes to understand Syria’s violent trajectory since 2011."
Steven Heydemann, Smith College

"The book’s discussion of the development of the revolt is important. In contrast to many analyses of the conflict, Abboud provides a useful focus on the complex and often tense relations between civil society and the armed groups that emerged early in the uprising." (Australian Institute of International Affairs, 2016)