Mary Levocz

Abstract

The current crisis in Syria has left the international community divided on solutions regarding the ongoing civil war that has escalated far beyond protests calling for the removal of the al-Assad regime. The events unfolding in Syria have divided the international community into groups that staunchly oppose the al-Assad regime, such as the United States, the European Union, and other countries in the region, such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, and those that oppose any pressure to the regime, such as Russia, China, and Iran. The primary purpose of this thesis is to determine why Russia would support such an unpopular, internationally isolated regime amidst the current instability in the Middle East. Secondly, this thesis will examine the internal factors that influence Russian foreign policy towards Syria, displaying that Russia’s support for the al-Assad regime goes far beyond Russian interests in Syria and Russian-Syrian relations. This research displays how Russia’s decision to back the Syrian regime has affected its international status in an attempt to demonstrate Russia’s largest foreign policy goal: great power status.

Department

Political Science Department

Degree Name

MA in Political Science

Graduation Date

6-1-2015

Submission Date

May 2015

First Advisor

Bahi, Riham

Committee Member 1

Hodgkins, Allison

Committee Member 2

El Nur, Ibrihim

Extent

101 p.

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Library of Congress Subject Heading 1

Russia -- Foreign relations -- 21st century.

Library of Congress Subject Heading 2

Russia -- Foreign relations -- Syria.

Rights

The author retains all rights with regard to copyright. The author certifies that written permission from the owner(s) of third-party copyrighted matter included in the thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study has been obtained. The author further certifies that IRB approval has been obtained for this thesis, or that IRB approval is not necessary for this thesis. Insofar as this thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study is an educational record as defined in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 USC 1232g), the author has granted consent to disclosure of it to anyone who requests a copy.

Institutional Review Board (IRB) Approval

Not necessary for this item

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