The Impact of The Arab Spring in Syria: The Relationship Between Totalitarianism and Migration
Chapter from the book: Tansü, Y. E. (ed.) 2025. Selected Writings on History -VIII.

Yunus Emre Tansü
Gaziantep University
Ahmet Güler
Gaziantep University
Sinan Korkmaz
Gaziantep University

Synopsis

This article examines the impact of the Arab Spring on Syria in the context of the relationship between totalitarianism and migration. It analyzes Syria’s political structure, tracing its historical evolution from Ottoman rule to the French mandate and ultimately to an independent state. Since 1970, Hafez al-Assad’s authoritarian regime, the political dominance of the Alawite minority, and the repression of opposition groups such as the Muslim Brotherhood have been key aspects of Syria’s governance. The Arab Spring protests that erupted in Syria in 2011 quickly escalated into a civil war, plunging the country into a deep crisis. The Assad regime’s harsh response to protesters intensified opposition from the United States and European nations, while Russia, Iran, and China supported the government. The conflict turned Syria into a battleground for proxy wars, deepening ethnic and sectarian divisions. As a result, millions of people were displaced, leading to a massive wave of migration, with Turkey being one of the most affected countries. Hosting millions of Syrians under temporary protection, Turkey has faced significant political and international challenges. This article highlights the impact of totalitarian regimes on migration and examines the regional and global implications of the Syrian crisis.

How to cite this book

Tansü, Y. E. & Güler, A. & Korkmaz, S. (2025). The Impact of The Arab Spring in Syria: The Relationship Between Totalitarianism and Migration. In: Tansü, Y. E. (ed.), Selected Writings on History -VIII. Özgür Publications. DOI: https://doi.org/10.58830/ozgur.pub695.c2954

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Published

March 24, 2025

DOI