Militarization of the American policy in Syria

In the first quarter of the 21st century, the international security architecture has undergone a profound transformation shaped by new threat perceptions and great power competition. One of the most critical arenas where this transformation has manifested itself is the Middle East, with Syria emerging as the epicenter of global and regional rivalries. This thesis analyzes the United States' military presence in Syria through its historical development, strategic background, and practical implementation. The main research problem revolves around explaining why and how the United States has constructed a lasting military presence in this geography. The study argues that the U.S. intervention in Syria cannot be explained solely by the fight against ISIS; rather, it is embedded in a multidimensional framework that combines security threats, regional power balances, great power rivalry, and local partnership strategies. In this context, the role of CENTCOM, the alliances established with YPG/PYD, the tensions within NATO, and Washington's regional strategic priorities are examined in detail. Methodologically, the thesis is based on qualitative research, employing literature review, document analysis, and content analysis. Primary sources include reports of the U.S. Department of Defense, CENTCOM documents, Congressional records, international reports, and think tank analyses. The findings reveal that the U.S. military presence in Syria is not temporary but institutionalized, rooted in strategic foundations, and characterized by long-term continuity. This policy not only shapes the internal balance of Syria but also directly affects power dynamics in the Middle East and the broader international security architecture.