Embargo Period

5-1-2026

Degree Name

MA in Humanitarian Assistance and Crisis Management

First Advisor

Dr. Bayan Abdulhaq

Second Advisor

Dr. Latifa

Abstract

In December 2024, Syria’s long-standing Assad regime was overthrown, and the country entered a new era of post-conflict reconstruction. This study explores the narratives Syrians in the diaspora are constructing about this regime change and the new era for Syrian society. To do so, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 Syrians in the diaspora of various backgrounds and analyzed using an inductive narrative analysis to see which themes emerged. The findings were further organized to understand how these narratives may contribute to perpetuating conflict or promoting peacebuilding and reconciliation. Based on the analysis, there are four main types of narratives being constructed: opposing, reactionary, complementary, and shared. Opposing and reactionary narratives may be more likely to influence the perpetuation of conflict, whereas complementary and shared narratives either leave room for or promote peacebuilding. Lastly, nuanced narratives were highlighted, as nuances make room for reconciling different narratives. While this research cannot be generalized to the broader Syrian population, practitioners aiming to focus on post-conflict reconciliation in Syria can utilize this research as a starting point to better understand the various narratives that they may encounter. Acknowledgement of different narratives may be a significant step in peacebuilding and reconstruction efforts in Syria, not only from within Syria but in the diaspora as well.

Keywords: Peace and Social Justice, Regional Studies: Middle East, Narratives of Conflict, Post-Conflict Syria, Syrian Diaspora, Peacebuilding.

Disciplines

Near and Middle Eastern Studies | Peace and Conflict Studies | Social Justice

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