Democracy in multilayer communities: Sample of Syria

One of the most intensive debates in the political theory is the question of which models of democracy might be convenient for countries with the mere existence of radical differences. In this context, it is significant to analyze the recent models of democracy in terms of their capability in providing the necessary "political" condition for the societies with the reality of even "civil war". Problematizing the question of "political regime" in Syria gives us such a unique opportunity in the evaluation of the very models of democracy; consociational, deliberative and agonistic. Such theoretical endeavor seems to be very risky at first sight given the practical realities - difference between West and East, the claim of cultural essentialism and the trap of liberal assimilation- ahead of this thesis. Nevertheless, considering at least the second best solution for the countries or societies with radical cultural differences apart from falling neither universalism nor cultural essentialism would be main endeavor of this thesis. Many wisely would think the utopian character of this thesis with the reality of on-going civil war. Yet, it is not to exaggerate to point out the very fundamental role of civil wars such as religious wars in Europe, north-south war in America in the formation of today's liberal democracies. As a matter of fact, both deliberative and agonistic models have been emerged as a critique of the experience of liberal democratic regimes; thereby, as a response to the legitimation crisis of liberal democracies. In this respect, this thesis would like to meet with the tragic character of Syrian political condition. In this thesis, relevant democracy theories are primarily examined in detail and historical structure of Syria is investigated. Then the political and social texture of Syria is analyzed, which is followed by the investigation of the current process generally through scanning the media news and the use of relevant personal interviews. In the light of all these, a kind of "hybrid" model is tried to develop by mixing all three models of democracy. Accordingly; the new democratic system should be projected upon the ideal of consensus on the basis of deliberative democracy. Yet, it is inevitable to deploy consociational instruments by taking into consideration the intellectual resources of society in which the traditional leaders of each community can come together by forming efficient commissions. It is also very significant to recognize the agonic co-existence of communities without furthering these differences. All these things could be achieved through a structure regarded by radical democracy, where the civil society will be reinforced. In the new system, it is also projected that differences and severe rivalries should not involved hatred in society; rather, they should be considered as ordinary by the government and restrained within politics in line with the agonistic model. As a consequence; it is thought that a hybrid political system using some of the features of these three democracy models will be convenient for Syria. Key words: Syria, Civil War, Consociational democracy, Deliberative Democracy, Agonistic Democracy.