Social Networks, Class, and Proxy Warfare in Syria
Channel: New America
Date: 06/04/2021

The Syrian conflict began in 2011 as a mass uprising, with protesters gathering in one small town after the next to demand the end of a 40-year dictatorship. It quickly morphed into a complex and internationalized multi-sided war. Much of the analysis of proxy conflict in Syria has focused on the interests and influence of external sponsors. In a new report based on research in Syria, Anand Gopal and Jeremy Hodge argue in their new report “Social Networks, Class, and the Syrian Proxy War” that the pre-war social structure of Syria rather than the influence of external sponsors was the key determinant in the conflict’s trajectory. The pre-existing social networks and class statuses of factions determined which ones would predominate in the civil war. These factors whether factions could align with international sponsors and the extent of control sponsors could wield over their “proxies.”

To discuss this topic and the new report, New America welcomes Anand Gopal, Jeremy Hodge, and Elizabeth Tsurkov. Anand Gopal is a fellow with New America’s International Security program, assistant research professor at the Center for the Study of Religion and Conflict and the Center on the Future of War, and received his PhD from Columbia University. Jeremy Hodge is an investigative journalist. He has conducted research on Egypt’s automotive sector for the Center for International Development at Harvard University and previously served as Editor of the Yemen Times Newspaper and Radio in Sana’a, Yemen. Elizabeth Tsurkov is a Non-Resident Fellow at the Newlines Institute and a doctoral student in the Politics department at Princeton University whose research focuses on the Levant, and particularly, the Syrian uprising and civil war.

Join the conversation online using #NetworksinSyria and following @NewAmericaISP.

Participants:

Dr. Anand Gopal, @Anand_Gopal_
Author, “Social Networks, Class, and the Syrian Proxy War”
Fellow, New America International Security program
Research Professor, Center on the Future of War, Arizona State University

Jeremy Hodge, @jeremyhodge2
Author, “Social Networks, Class, and the Syrian Proxy War”

Elizabeth Tsurkov, @Elizrael
Non-resident fellow, Newlines Institute

Moderator:

David Sterman, @DSterms
Senior Policy Analyst, New America International Security program

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