Plutocracy and Democracy in Syria between 2000-2018

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Barakat, Ahmad (2020). Plutocracy and Democracy in Syria between 2000-2018. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

This thesis introduces the concept of plutocracy as a distinct type of regime to explain the response of president Bashar al-Assad’s regime to calls for greater democracy in Syria between 2000-2018. It traces the interaction between the two processes of democracy and plutocracy within the Syrian system. Using the case study, the thesis suggests that plutocracy emerged organically since the 1970s in response to internal and external context and interaction between Islam and democracy. The thesis suggests that plutocracy was not an abstract idea, but a defined political and economic system which interacted with internal and external conditions. It claims that plutocracy was applied by the regime since the 1970s to organise political power and demands for greater democracy. An elite group derived their power from their wealth and governed the society. The thesis defines plutocracy as an elite of the wealthy surrounding the president. They govern the society and control different sectors through a network of connections within the military, the Baath Party and the state institutions for the advancement of their economic interests and the interests of the regime in a two-way complementary relationship. Plutocracy has created a system and a business network that transcends geographical, ethnic and religious differences. It founded a stable and responsive system in the national interest of the state and survival of the nation.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):