Dynamics of International and Regional Interaction with the Fragmentation of the Central State in Syria

This study examines the fragmentation of the Syrian state in the aftermath of the collapse of the Assad regime. What initially appeared to be an opportunity for political transition rapidly devolved into recurrent cycles of violence, particularly targeting minority communities. These dynamics undermined confidence in the transitional authority’s capacity to perform its core protective and representative functions, thereby compelling minorities to advance claims for self-governance and to establish localized administrative and military structures operating beyond the effective control of Damascus.