Networked Authoritarianism and Economic Resilience in Syria

This policy brief explores how President Bashar al-Assad is restructuring Syria's economic networks to ensure his access to resources despite the economic collapse faced by the rest of the country. By centralizing control over critical sectors through new economic fronts, Assad is positioning himself as a major economic actor, further entrenching his power while the humanitarian crisis faced by ordinary Syrians worsens. Our analysis sheds light on the inner workings of these networks, offering insights for policymakers aiming to forge a political settlement to the ongoing conflict. Understanding these networks is essential for devising effective strategies to counter the regime's resilience in the face of international pressure.