The peace obstruction veto in civil war: The Syrian crisis case study

This study explores the factors that have enabled the Syrian regime to wield veto power over the peace process and how this has influenced the ongoing Syrian crisis. The focus is on the role played by the Syrian regime and its allies, such as Russia and Iran, in disrupting and sabotaging international efforts to reach a political solution. Additionally, the study examines the various tactics used by the regime to maintain its control over the country, including the use of violence, propaganda, and the manipulation of humanitarian issues for political gain. A mixed-methods research approach was employed, combining qualitative and quantitative analyses. This included examining voting patterns in the United Nations Security Council, conducting an in-depth case study of the Syrian crisis, and, as a supplementary source, interviewing experts and analysts on Syrian affairs. The findings reveal that international support for the Syrian regime, the fragmentation of the opposition, and the lack of a cohesive international strategy were crucial factors that enabled the regime to retain its power and hinder the peace process. The study recommends developing more coordinated and comprehensive international strategies to address the root causes of the conflict, enhance accountability for human rights violations, and support moderate local actors. It also emphasizes the need to reassess the role of international alliances and find effective ways to counter the challenges posed by using veto power in the Security Council. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics of the Syrian conflict and offers practical insights for policymakers and practitioners in the fields of conflict resolution and peacebuilding to achieve a sustainable and inclusive settlement of the Syrian crisis.