Abstract
This chapter analyses the process through which post-independent Syria enjoyed political stability as a “strong state” with a focus on the notion of social cleavages. The first section provides a reading of the historical formation of social cleavages in Syria since the French Mandate (1920–1946). It is argued that social cleavages were established and firmly solidified by the French authorities. The second section reveals how social cleavages and politics were interrelated under the post-independence Syrian polity. The final section highlights the challenges that Syria faces given the current conflict. The chapter concludes that Syria can learn from its past in terms of bridging its social cleavages through integrative and participatory politics.
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Aoyama, H. (2019). Syria: Strong State Versus Social Cleavages. In: Matar, L., Kadri, A. (eds) Syria: From National Independence to Proxy War. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-98458-2_4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-98458-2_4
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