Photo: Evgeni Zotov/flickr.com

Syria

The war in Syria has devastating consequences for the country and deep international repercussions. We study the interests and positions of the parties to the conflict and analyze the room for a negotiated solution.

 

Are John Knudsen

Research Professor

Conflict dynamics

Syria’s descent into war has caused a tremendous humanitarian disaster. It has also set off a regional and international clash over the future of the Middle East. Multiple actors and composite motives drive the escalation of violence.

Our research aims to analyse their interests and respective influences on the conflict dynamics. We examine the survival politics of the Assad regime and the evolution of the armed uprising. Heeding the growing fragmentation of control over the means of violence, we ask about the long-term political and security implications of militia rule.