What is your research about?

The thesis focuses on the causes and consequences of the prevailing authoritarian regime in Syria, and the resulting internal and external ramifications on conflict resolution theory and practice. The desire for decentralisation is increasing across sectarian lines in Syria (Sunni, Kurdish, Alawite etc.). Irrespective of this, power in Syria remains highly centralised in the hands of incumbent leader Bashar al-Assad and his Ba’ath government. My project analyses the mechanics of the prevailing authoritarian regime in Syria, looking at the security focussed legacy Hafez al-Assad has left in place for his son, and the ability of the Assad regime to bolster his control of the country through a post-conflict process of authoritarian reconstruction. It is this process that shall be levelled against normative post-conflict peace building prerogatives that aim towards the decentralisation of the Syrian state.

What is your background?

I have completed both a BSc in International Relations, and an MSc with Distinction in International Relations with a specialism in Security Studies from Canterbury Christ Church University in the UK. I am currently working on my PhD at the University of Passau, Germany, which I started in 2021.

Thank you, Nick, for this presentation. The IFF is more than happy to welcome you on board, and we are very much looking forward reading more about your research soon.