Leiden University Student Repository

Ahmad, Fawaz (2025)

The impact of Foreign Interventions on the Syrian Civil War: Geopolitical interests, Consequences, and Implications on Internal Stability: How have the foreign interventions by external powers impacted the trajectory of the Syrian Civil War?

Master thesis | Political Science (MSc)

This thesis explores the multifaceted impact of foreign interventions on the Syrian civil war, which has significantly influenced the conflict’s trajectory since its inception in 2011. It examines the roles of key external actors—including Russia, the United States, Turkey, and Iran—by analyzing how their interventions have intensified hostilities, prolonged the conflict, exacerbated divisions among local factions, and altered the visibility of the war on the global stage. Utilizing a qualitative methodology grounded in process tracing, the research provides insights into the complex interplay between foreign involvement and the internal dynamics of the conflict. The findings underscore the challenges posed by external actors to the conflict and its overal trajectory and highlight the necessity of understanding their implications for the future of Syria and similar conflicts worldwide.

Author

Ahmad, Fawaz

Faculty

Faculty of Social & Behavioural Sciences

Specialisation

International Organisation

Supervisors

Dr. Muge Kinacioglu
Dr. Martijn Mos

ECTS Credits

60

Language

en