Syria under Bashar al-Asad: Modernisation and the Limits of Change 0198567502, 9780198567509

Table of contents :
Cover
Title
Copyright
Contents
Introduction Syria in a Period of Change
Chapter 1 Managing Modernisation: Domestic Politics and the Limits of Change
Changing generations
Reforming the system or modernising authoritarianism?
Chapter 2 Economic Challenges and Policy Responses
Major challenges
New approaches, old constraints
Conflicting views, practical obstacles
The pace of reform
The economic importance of regional politics
Chapter 3 Coping with External Challenges
Patterns, interests and capabilities
European opportunities
Neighbourhood matters
Iraq and the American threat
The 'Strategic Option' on hold: Syria and the peace process
Conclusion Domestic Demands and Regional Risks
Regime stability
Domestic development and external conflict
Notes