Boris V. Dolgov Syria: a Search for a Path of Development (1960s – Early 2000s)

Abstract

In the article the experience of social-economical development of Syrian society is examined. A special attention is allotted to analyse the socialist orientation politics and attempt of ruling Party of Arab Socialist Renaissance (Baas) at this period to realize the Syrian variant of «Arabic Socialism». The principles of the Historisme, scientific objectivity and authenticity are used as the methodology. This research is directed to complete some gap in the scientific analysis of phenomenon «Socialist orientation» in contemporary Arabic studies. During the work author used also his experience of repeated missions in Syria and discussions with representatives of scientific community, social-political and religious structures and also opposition organizations. As a conclusion it is necessary to state that in the results of the reforms which Syrian leadership have leaded the considerable successes in social-economical, political and cultural development of Syrian society have been realized. Well known Western researchers confirmed that in their works. At the same time the State-political system, which have been formed in Syria and in other countries, which realized the Socialist conception, presented possibility to the ruling political forces to stay in the power tens of years. This situation provoked the growth of such negative appearances as nepotism, corruption and incapably or aversion of ruling elite to solve the problems, which have matured in the society. At the same time Western liberalism did not showed capable to solve actual problems of social development. That is why the Socialist conception as the alternative against Western liberalism can play its role in the creation of new more righteous world order, which Russia and countries of Global South propose.

Keywords:

Syria, Socialist Orientation, Baath Party, Arab Socialism, Hafez al-Assad, Soviet-Syrian Relations, Muslim Brotherhood in Syria.

For сitation:

Dolgov B.V. Syria: a Search for a Path of Development (1960s – Early 2000s)) // The Historical Reporter. 2025. Vol. 55. P. 204–225. DOI: 10.35549/HR.2025.2025.55.002

Boris V. Dolgov

D.Sc. (History), Leading Researcher Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Moscow, Russian Federation.

e-mail: dolgov.boris@list.ru

ORCID: 0000-0001-65415862

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