Centralization and decentralization in syria, comparison of before and after 2011

One of the most important debates taking place in recent decades is: How local councils or local government authorities govern, and in this regard, we can see two methods of administration, centralization and decentralization administration. Where the centralization is based on maintaining decision-making authority in the hands of the central government in the capital and all cities or villages councils are subordinate to it and cannot take any decision independently. While decentralization is based on the transfer of authorities to local government bodies, which govern independently of the central government. The aim of this study is to discuss the laws that organize the administration of the local government councils in Syria before and after 2011, either in the Assad regime areas (ARA) or in the areas out of regime control (AORC) after 2011, and which type it takes, is it centralization administrative or decentralization administrative? Then, to achieve the aim of the study, we present a conceptualization explanation of centralization and decentralization and its types and level of governate, then discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both administrative centralization and administrative decentralization. This study relied on qualitative methodologies such as academic research, articles, official legal and political reports, personal interviews with chairmen, members of local councils, and members of the Syrian Interim Government (decision-makers). Also, personal interviews with a member of local councils in Syria before 2011. to understand how local councils are formed, the relationship with the central government and the services they provide, in addition to the financial resources they obtain. Finally, this thesis is discussed the variables in terms of reality and law, whether in the areas of the Assad regime era before and after 2011 or either in the areas outside the control of the Assad regime era after 2011, then analyzed the information which is obtained from the interviews and content analysis of the laws regulating local administration in Syria. The study ended with the following results: 1. The Assad regime's approach to dealing with administrative units in the manner of administrative centralization has not changed, whether before or after 2011. 2. The experience of forming local councils in areas outside the control of the Assad regime can be considered a successful decentralization experiment to some extent.