Stability After Years of Civil War: How al-Shara` Seems to Avoid the Poisonous Chalice of Chaos and Disintegration in Post-Assad Syria: What strategies has the al-Shara` government in Syria undertaken to secure a stable transition in the first six months of its rule?

This thesis investigates Syria’s new government led by Aḥmad al-Shara` following the 2024 overthrow of the al-Assad regime. The focus of the investigation is how al-Shara` achieved stability in its first six months in power, despite expectations of turmoil. The thesis compares the current situation in Syria to previous experiences with post-revolution Islamist governments in Egypt, Libya, and Tunisia, while using the fourth-generation revolutionary theory. The analysis focuses on the transitional constitution, policy decisions by the government, speeches by President al-Shara`, and social media activity. Findings show that al- Shara` combined inclusive rhetoric with institutional power consolidation by establishing relations with minority groups and foreign powers, especially those in the Gulf. While religious influence is limited in public discourse, it is present in the government’s policies and the system of governance. Unlike failed experiences in Egypt and Libya, al-Shara` has...Show moreThis thesis investigates Syria’s new government led by Aḥmad al-Shara` following the 2024 overthrow of the al-Assad regime. The focus of the investigation is how al-Shara` achieved stability in its first six months in power, despite expectations of turmoil. The thesis compares the current situation in Syria to previous experiences with post-revolution Islamist governments in Egypt, Libya, and Tunisia, while using the fourth-generation revolutionary theory. The analysis focuses on the transitional constitution, policy decisions by the government, speeches by President al-Shara`, and social media activity. Findings show that al- Shara` combined inclusive rhetoric with institutional power consolidation by establishing relations with minority groups and foreign powers, especially those in the Gulf. While religious influence is limited in public discourse, it is present in the government’s policies and the system of governance. Unlike failed experiences in Egypt and Libya, al-Shara` has so far avoided fragmentation and major opposition. Therefore, this thesis concludes that diplomacy, centralised authority and an ideological balancing act determine the government’s stability.Show less

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Stability After Years of Civil War: How al-Shara` Seems to Avoid the Poisonous Chalice of Chaos and Disintegration in Post-Assad Syria: What strategies has the al-Shara` government in Syria undertaken to secure a stable transition in the first six months of its rule?