An Analysis of Foreign Involvement Within The Syria Conflict

Bachelor thesis
An analysis of foreign
involvement within the Syria
conflict.
- Why had the United States and Russia a
foreign interest in Syria.
Author: Emelie Pettersson

Supervisor: Anders Persson
Examiner: Martin Nilsson
Term: Ht19
Subject: Political Science
Level: Bachelor Thesis
Course code: 2SK31E
2
Abstract
This study offers an alternative analysis of the current literature regarding

foreign involvement in the Syria civil war. The initials briefly describe the
current situation in Syria, international relations and why the conflict is
interesting to analyse from a scientific standpoint. The relevant actors and
theoretical construction are also introduced. In the previous research chapter,
the current research is presented concerning the global superpowers as well as
the interventions that have taken place in Syria.
In the theory chapter realism and liberalism are presented, and a number of
important factors are discussed. In the result, the decisions and events that have
taken place during the conflict in Syria is analysed through the lens of previous
named theories. The actors studied are the USA and Russia. There are both
realistic and liberalist elements in the decisions made by the actors. The final
part of the essay discusses the result. The underlying interest of the players
largely determines which decision is ultimately taken. Moreover, there are
underlying tones of realism even in clearly liberalistic decisions.
Key words International Relations, International politics, IR Realism, IR

Liberalism, foreign policy, foreign intervention, Syria civil war, Russia
foreign policy, US foreign policy.
3
Table of Content
1. Introduction ............................................................................................ 6
1.1. Aim, problem statement and limitations. ............................................. 7
1.1.1. Limitations ....................................................................................................... 7
1.2. Outline ..................................................................................................... 8
1.3. Previous research .................................................................................... 8
1.3.1. Global powers and foreign interventions ......................................................... 8
1.3.2. Foreign intervention in Syria ......................................................................... 11
2. Methodology ......................................................................................... 13
2.1. Case study and qualitative research.................................................... 13
2.1.1. Strength and limitations ................................................................................. 14
2.2. Research design and sample selection ................................................. 15
2.3. Collecting data and level of analysis.................................................... 16
2.4. Validity, reliability and ethics .............................................................. 16
2.5. Material and source discussion............................................................ 17
Theory ................................................................................................... 18
Realism................................................................................................... 18
Security .......................................................................................................... 18
Interests .......................................................................................................... 19
Power rivalry ................................................................................................. 20
Resources ....................................................................................................... 22
Liberalism .............................................................................................. 23
The UN system .............................................................................................. 23
International law ............................................................................................ 24
Trade .............................................................................................................. 25
Interdependence ............................................................................................. 26
Table 1.1................................................................................................. 27
Result .................................................................................................... 28
Realism................................................................................................... 28
USA ............................................................................................................... 28
Russia............................................................................................................. 30
Liberalism .............................................................................................. 34
USA ............................................................................................................... 34
Russia............................................................................................................. 38
Discussion ............................................................................................. 41
Is it liberalism? ...................................................................................... 42
Bibliography ................................................................................................. 43
4
5
1. Introduction
The Arabic Spring in 2011 consisted of spontaneous public riots who

challenged the authoritarian regimes in the Middle East, including Egypt,
Libya, Syria, Bahrain and Yemen. In Syria democratic activists started a
revolution against the country's ruling al-Assad family and demanded the
resignation of the president and democratic reforms. 1 The war in Syria has
been raging for over eight years, and a huge part of the population have had to
flee their homes. Many of them are children, and numerous are severely
traumatized. 2 The uprising was "cut off" and Syria is now an arena for regional
and global superpowers different interest. 3
Within an increasingly globalized world international relations are
becoming progressively more important. International politics is a summary
term of states' foreign policy and mutual relations. 4 International relations
explain the relationship between national governments, international
organizations, multinational corporations, economic culture and national
politics. 5
It is interesting to analyze what really determines the foreign policy of
states from a scientific perspective; is it because of self-interest or idealistic
considerations? 6 The war in Syria is also interesting to study from an outer
1
Utrikespolitiska institutet, ”Konflikten i Syrien” 2019,
https://www.ui.se/landguiden/konflikter/syrien/ (111119)
2
UNHCR, ”Kriget i Syrien” 2019, https://sverigeforunhcr.se/syrien
3.Utrikespolitiska institutet, ”Konflikten i Syrien” 2019,
https://www.ui.se/landguiden/konflikter/syrien/ (111119)
4
Nationalencyklopedin, internationell politik
http://www.ne.se.proxy.lnu.se/uppslagsverk/encyklopedi/lång/internationell-politik (011219)
5
Fajana, Sola. “The Systems Approach as Theory for Multinational Industrial Relations in
Developing Countries.” Relations Industrielles / Industrial Relations, vol. 44, no. 3, 1989,
pp. 615–634. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/23073602. (111119)
6
Peter Esaiasson, Mikael Giljam, Henrik Oskarsson, Lena Wängnerud, ”Metodpraktikan –
konsten att studera samhälle, individ och marknad” tredje upplagan, Elanders Gotab,
Vällingeby 2007. 40
6
scientific perspective as the world today is beset by several conflicts. In 2015,
the refugee crisis peaked and became the biggest humanitarian crises since the
Second World War. The conflict in Syria has attracted several strong
international players and the decisions has not been unanimous. 7
1.1. Aim, problem statement and limitations.
This paper aims to explain on what grounds international superpowers have

made their decisions regarding the Syria conflict. Through comparing selected
actors in relation to established theories of international relations this thesis
aims to answerer to the following problem statement; Why did the United
states and Russia act as they did regarding the conflict in Syria? - an analysis
of the Syria conflict using realism and liberalism.
1.1.1. Limitations
This paper will mainly focus on the Syrian conflict and not on other Arab
Spring countries, however, other countries within the region will be mentioned
if considered relevant.
This paper has limited the actors to two different global superpowers, namely
the United States and Russia, due to their prominent role in the conflict. Other
international actors such as EU and UN will not be analyzed since this study
only focuses on states as actors. There are also several significant regional
powers that are involved in the conflict such as Turkey, Israel and Lebanon,
however, they will not be studied because of the scope of the essay.
The theories used in this paper is realism and liberalism since they are the
two most prominent perspective within international theories. Another
prominent theory is constructivism; however, the scope of the study does not
7
Svenska Dagbladet, ”FN: Asylsystemet måste ändras”, 2015-01-21, https://www.svd.se/fn-
asylsystemet-maste-andras (201119)
7
allow for further theories. There will also be limitations within the concepts
and a few main factors will be presented.
1.2. Outline
The thesis begins with an introductory chapter, which presents a brief

description of the Syrian conflict, international politics and international
relations. Subsequently, problem formulation, aim and limitations are
presented. Thereafter, the previous research is offered where foreign affairs,
global powers and foreign involvement will be defined. The methodology
presents the research design, choice of material and the operational indicators.
The third chapter introduces the theories, they will be defined, and a number
of prominent factors will be mentioned. The problem statement will be
answered in the result, which will describe both the United States and Russia's
actions using the theories mentioned. The report is concluded with a discussion
chapter.
1.3. Previous research
1.3.1. Global powers and foreign interventions
According to Christopher J. Coyne, professor at George Mason university, a

foreign intervention is defined as when a government uses its power to handle
an issue within a foreign society. The aim with the interventions is to address
and create a desirable state of affairs in the country where the problem is
regarded to be. The “preferable state of affairs” is, according to Coyne, decided
by the stat that is intervening another country. This can be problematic when
the view of a preferable state of affairs differs. 8 Another definition of foreign
8
Christopher J. Coyne , ”The Law and Economics of Foreign Intervention and Rule
Reform”, Department of Economics George Mason University Fairfax, VA 22030
8
intervention is by Steven P Lee who defines it as a state by itself, or with a
group of states, decides to intervene in a matter within a third party state that
otherwise would have been considered a domestic matters. 9 Frederic S Pearson
professor in political science argues that a foreign intervention is defined as a
military force led by a single country or a group of countries crossing the
border of another country. Pearson is using the almost exact same definition
10
but is focusing more on the military perspective.
Kenneth Waltz is prominent political scientist from the US. He maintains
that the terms “world politics” or “global politics,” has to some extent been
substituted to other forms of politics, for example international law. Waltz
argues that policymakers in self-interested states is now focuses on more than
just their own nations security. 11
According to Waltz does a country's ability to become an important power
player heavily increases as their economy grows. This, in turn, means that the
state and its significance can be greatly expanded. In a self - help system, states
use all instruments accessible to influence states that do not possess the same
means. As nations globally grow stronger, they gain influence from external
states. 12 Social scientist Matthew D. Stephen claims that the 1990s study of
international politics was heavily influenced by the liberal perspective, which
https://masonlec.org/site/rte_uploads/files/Coyne%20-
%20L%26E%20of%20Foreign%20Intervention..pdf 2 (101219)
9
Lee, Steven P. "Ethics and Foreign Intervention, Deen K. Chatterjee and Don E. Scheid,
Eds. (New York: Cambridge University Press, 2003), 316 Pp., $58 Cloth, $20.99
Paper." Ethics & International Affairs 18.2 (2004): 101-02. Web.
(101219))
10
Pearson, Frederic S. “Foreign Military Interventions and Domestic
Disputes.” International Studies Quarterly, vol. 18, no. 3, 1974, pp. 259–290. JSTOR,
www.jstor.org/stable/2600156.
261 (101219)
11
Waltz, Kenneth. "Structural Realism after the Cold War." International Security 25.1
(2000): 5-41. Web. 6 (091219)
12
Ibid. 33 (091219)
9
meant that international institutions were reinforced and strengthen. States had
13
to adapt this new form of approach towards global governance.
The majority of researchers active in the field of international relations
argues that the United States is the world's most powerful actor. 14 However,
with a new world order, several new states have begun to emerge. Some states
have become a given part of the world order due to their enormous economic
growth, for example India and China. Russia has also returned as an important
global player with a clear interest in asserting itself at the global level. The
emergence of global players is a clear indicator that we are in a new world
order. Moscow has taken a clear distance from the consensus that has existed
in the world built by the United States since Washington have lost some of its
credibility and authority since the 2008 economic crises. 15
Dr. Sherri L. Wallace declared that the Trump administration from the
beginning has shown a noticeable difference from the Obama’s foreign policy.
There is still a basic premise and interest for protecting American national
interest however, their methods are considerably dissimilar. They have both
been critiqued for the way they been handling the situation in the Middle
East. 16 However, what is common during both administrations is that the
United States are in fact losing ground to emerging global powers, such as
Russia and China. 17
13
Stephen, M. D. (2017). Emerging powers and emerging trends in global governance.
Global Governance, 23(3), 483-502. Retrieved from
http://proxy.lnu.se/login?url=https://search-proquest-
com.proxy.lnu.se/docview/1926529332?accountid=14827 1 (120920)
14
Bisley, Nick. Great Powers in the Changing International Order, Lynne Rienner
Publishers, 2012. ProQuest Ebook Central, https://ebookcentral-proquest-
com.proxy.lnu.se/lib/linne-ebooks/detail.action?docID=3329021.
113 (091219)
15
Ibid 151 (091219)
16
Wallace, L. (2017, Apr 11). Obama aides push back against criticism of inaction on
syria. University Wire Retrieved from http://proxy.lnu.se/login?url=https://search-proquest-
com.proxy.lnu.se/docview/1886312842?accountid=14827 (120920)
17
Quamar, M. M. (2018). Trump and West Asia: Policy Departures and Geopolitical
Implications. India Quarterly, 74(3), 272–289. https://doi.org/10.1177/0974928418785478
(120919)
10
Professor MacFarlane in International Relations claims that the idea of
emerging powers assumes several features, for example, regional dominance,
aspiration to become global actor and a desires to contest the US unipolarity. 18
Kenneth Waltz also maintains that Russia is an emerging power which can
have an impact on the current world order with the United States as a
hegemonic power. 19 Macfarlane continues to argue that Russia's policy is
heavily affected by the countries current domestic economic and political
politics. Moscow is using partnership and agreement when dealing with
imperative issues to the US. However, for issues more important to Russia, a
more competitive conduct is used. Its foreign policy is dominated by efforts to
reverse the decline of the 1980s and 1990s. Russian policy aims to limit further
losses and promote conditions that will allow it to re-emerge as a global
power. 20
1.3.2. Foreign intervention in Syria
Several political and financial powers have been involved in the Middle East.
The region has become one of the world’s most important area due to the
foreign interest. The conflict in Syria has attracted both global and regional
powers. 21 According to Joshua Landis, a professor in Middle East studies, did
the uprising in Syria not lead to any regime change which can largely be
attributed to foreign intervention. 22 The situation in Syria has evolved into a
conflict where regional and global superpowers pursue their own interests
while a civil war is underway. The Obama administration announced that the
18
S. NEIL MACFARLANE, The ‘R’ in BRICs: is Russia an emerging
power?, International Affairs, Volume 82, Issue 1, January 2006, Pages 41–57, https://doi-
org.proxy.lnu.se/10.1111/j.1468-2346.2006.00514.x (120920)
19
Waltz, Kenneth. "Structural Realism after the Cold War." 6 (121319)
20
S. NEIL MACFARLANE, The ‘R’ in BRICs: is Russia an emerging power (121319)
21
Hazan, D. (2012, Sep 27). Human rights in Syria worsen; global powers intervene.
University Wire Retrieved from http://proxy.lnu.se/login?url=https://search-proquest-
22
Landis, Joshua. "The Syrian Uprising of 2011: Why the Asad Regime Is Likely to Survive
to 2013." Middle East Policy 19.1 (2012): 72-84. Web. (121919)
11
Syrian government's use of chemical weapons would push the United States
toward participation in the conflict. However, every attempt to use the UN to
act against the Syrian regime has been vetoed by Russia and China. 23
President Obama outlined his policy on September 10, 2013, announcing
that the United States will conduct air strikes against Isis targets "wherever
they are", including Syria. The goal was to cut the finance for the group and
to avoid foreign jihadists from entering the region. The United States have
approved more than 150 air strikes against Isis targets since August 7, 2014,
with the aim to back a counter-offensive by Kurdish Regional Government
(KRG) forces to protect religious and ethnic minorities risking slaughter at the
hands of the jihadist fighters. Isis is funded by millions of dollars gained from
foreign sponsors and has contained a large arsenal of US-made weapons from
retreating Iraqi security forces. 24 However, professor in international law Marc
Weller question the legal nature of the airstrikes according to international
law. 25
In September 2015, Russia also launched air strikes against Syria, the aim
was according to Moskva to fight extremist groups. The air strike in Syria
represented Russia's largest interference in the Middle East in several decades.
Russia has since then become an important player in the conflict, which has
forced the United States to realize that they are not the only power brokers
within the region. Professor Angela Stent questioned the relationship these two
power players should and will have in the future. 26 Also, professor of law
Michael Scharf continued to question how legal the foreign intervention in
23
Zughni, Farrah. "Lawmakers Focus on Syrian Weapons." Arms Control Today 42.3
(2012): 29-30. Web. (121919)
24
"Washington Takes the Initiative." MEED Middle East Economic Digest 58.37 (2014): 18.
Web. (121819)
25
Marc Weller, Syria air strikes: Were they legal? BBC news, 14, April 2018,
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-43766556 (121819)
26
Stent, A. (2016, Jan). Putin's power play in Syria. Foreign Affairs, 95, 106-113. Retrieved
from http://proxy.lnu.se/login?url=https://search-proquest-
12
Syria is. Scharf has also presented research regarding how IS and the war on
terror in Syria has changed international law. 27
2. Methodology
2.1. Case study and qualitative research
This essay will be a case study and a qualitative research. The qualitative
research can reveal how all the parts work together to form a entirety in
contrast to quantitative research which takes apart a phenomenon to examine
components which becomes the variables of the study. 28 For data collection
and analysis the researcher is the primary instrument. 29 When using a
qualitative design there is a few points of comparison in focus. One of them is
the focus of research, which is the quality of nature and essence. The goal of
investigation is understanding, description, meaning and hypothesis. 30
This essay is a therefore a holistic description and analysis of a single unit
or a bounded system. This method can be combined with other types of
methods such as basic qualitative study, phenomenology or grounded theory31
Case study’s is a sort of catch-all category for research. For this study the goal
is to gain an in depth understanding of the situation and meaning for those
involved. I will take an interest in the process rather than outcomes, in context
rather than a specific variable and in discovery rather than confirmation. 32 The
single most defining characteristic of case study research lies in delimiting the
27
Michael Scharf, “How the War against ISIS Changed International Law”, 48 Case W. Res.
J. Int'l L. 15 (2016),
https://heinonline.org/HOL/LandingPage?handle=hein.journals/cwrint48&div=7&id=&page
= (121819)
28
Sharan B. Merriam,” Qualitative Research and Case study Applications in Education”
California 1998, 6
29
Ibid, 7
30
Ibid, 9
31
Ibid, 12
32
Ibid, 19
13
object of study. The case for this report is the Syrian conflict through different
lenses of international theories more specific realism and liberalism. 33 I have
chosen the Syria civil war because it is a conflict that has been raging since
2011 with vast amount of international evolvement. 34 Concentrating on a
single phenomenon or entity allows me to uncover the interaction of
significant factors characteristic of the phenomenon. Qualitative case studies
can be characterized as being particularistic: the case study focus on a
particular situation, event, program or phenomenon. The case itself is
important for what it reveals about the phenomenon and for what it might
represent. 35 For this study the case will be the Syria conflict and the
international involvement.
The aim for the result of this analyzes is for the knowledge to be concrete;
case study knowledge resonates with our own experience because it is more
vivid, concrete and sensory than abstract. 36
2.1.1. Strength and limitations
The qualitative method is using the researcher as the primary instrument for
data collection and analysis. The risk when using a human instrument is its
limitations; mistakes are being made, opportunities are missed, and personal
biases can interfere. 37 There are also limitations regarding the sensitivity and
the integrity of the investigator. The investigator needs to relay on instincts
and abilities throughout most of the research effort. Further limitations involve
the issues of reliability, validity and generalizability. The case study has been
faulted for its lack of representativeness and its lack of rigor in the collection,
construction and analysis of the empirical materials that give rise to this
33
Ibid, 27
34
Ibid, 28
35
Ibid, 29
36
Ibid, 31, 32
37
Ibid, 20
14
study. 38 The term case study is not used precisely: it has become a catch-all
category for studies that are clearly not experimental, survey or historical. 39
There are a few primary strengths of case studies. The case study offers a
means of investigating complex social units consisting of multiple variables of
potential importance in understanding the case. The study results in a rich and
holistic account of a phenomenon. This will offer insight and illuminates
meanings that expand its readers’ experiences. These insights can be
constructed as tentative hypotheses that help structure future research; hence
case studies play an important role in advancing a field´s knowledge base. 40
2.2. Research design and sample selection
Creating a good research design will help me to get from point A to point B”
Point A may be defined as the initial set of questions to be answered, and point
41
B is some set of conclusions or answers about the questions The set of
questions to be answered is derived from what is technically known as the
theoretical framework of my study. The theoretical framework defines the
research problem and it is derived from the orientation or stance that I will
bring to my study. 42 The choice of a theoretical model will guide the research
process in terms of the identification of relevant concepts, definition of key
variables and specific questions to be investigated. Selection of a research
design, choice of a sample, data collection strategies and interpretation of
findings. 43
Sample in case studies; there are two samples in case studies: firstly, I must
select the case to be studied. Secondly, I need to do a sampling within the case;
to decide what I am going to analyze within the case. 44 The most appropriate
38
Ibid, 42, 43
39
Ibid, 43
40
Ibid, 41
41
Ibid, 44
42
Ibid, 45
43
Ibid, 47
44
Ibid, 64, 65
15
sampling strategy is “no probabilistic”, which is the most common form. It is
based on the assumption that the investigator wants to discover, understand
and gain insight. 45
2.3. Collecting data and level of analysis
Case study’s does not claim any particular methods for data collection or data
analysis. Any and all methods of gathering data can be used. In this study
different material and data will be analyzed and then relevant data shall be
studied 46 Data analysis is the process of making sense out of the material. This
is a complex process that involves moving back and forth between concrete
bits of data and abstract concepts, between inductive and deductive reasoning,
between description and interpretation. These meanings of understandings or
insights constitute the findings of the study. 47
2.4. Validity, reliability and ethics
Internal validity deals with the question of how research findings match
reality. 48 To achieve high internal validity the conclusions need to be
legitimate and well-grounded. This report will present conclusions of
explanatory character. 49 The external validity is concerned with the extent to
which the findings of my study can be applied to other situations. 50 The report
will to some extend be generalizable because several of the conflict within the
Middle East have similarities. However, the main focus of this study is not to
45
Ibid, 61
46
Ibid, 28
47
Ibid, 178
48
Ibid, 201
49
Peter Esaiasson, Mikael Giljam, Henrik Oskarsson, Lena Wängnerud, ”Metodpraktikan –
konsten att studera samhälle, individ och marknad”, third edition, Elanders Gotab,
Vällingeby 2007.
50
Sharan B. Merriam,” Qualitative Research and Case study Applications in Education”,
207
16
create a high external validity and will therefore mostly focus on the conflict
in Syria. 51
Reliability refers to the extent research findings can be replicated, if the
study is repeated, will it yield the same results? Qualitative research is not
conducted so that the laws of human behavior can be isolated. Rather, this
essay seeks to describe and explain the world as those in the world experience
it. 52
2.5. Material and source discussion
Several different types of sources have been used to create an as accurate and
in-depth explanation of reality as possible. I have used a wide selection of
materials and been careful about choosing sources according to relevance.
When choosing sources, I have considered four different questions, namely;
authenticity, contemporary, dependency and tendentious. 53
In the theory chapter I will use both printed literature and articles. All
sources should be genuine and not have any underlying purpose. The sources
will contain up-to-date information that is considered to work well in relation
to the purpose. The main part of the sources is so – called primary sources,
since most of them are written by the researchers them self. I have used
information that can be located in several different sources, which are
independent from each other, this will increase validity.
In the result chapter have I used multiple types of sources, for example,
research articles, news reports and reports from international organizations.
Actualities from global organizations will only come from internationally
recognized establishments whose motives give a credible impression. I am
51
Peter Esaiasson, et.al, ”Metodpraktikan – konsten att studera samhälle, individ och
marknad”
52
Sharan B. Merriam,” Qualitative Research and Case study Applications in Education”,
205
53
Ibid 314
17
aware that these sources can be tendentious as they explicitly aim to promote
a specific goal. However, if the content is found in several sources, I will
consider it credible. When selecting articles, there will be a primary focus on
the author and purpose for the paper. To have relevant information will the
thesis’s not published later than year of 2005. When I have used information
from news articles, have I especially thought about the fact that they are biased
and have a commercial aim. They are also dependent since most newspapers
have taken a political stance, which can affect the information. I am arguing
that all sources used in this study is suitable and reliable, however it is still of
importance to think critically about my findings.
Theory
Realism
The main stand within international relations is the realist theory. Realism
focuses on power, anarchy and order. 54 Some students of international
relations consider realism out-dated. Since the theory mostly focuses on
anarchy, self-help and balancing power this belongs to a bygone era. However,
the system would have to change completely for realism to become obsolete.
55
The theory is a normative view, meaning it has the ability to explain how
the world should work, not how it actually works. 56
Security
54
G. John Ikenberry, “Liberalism in a Realist World: International Relations as an American
Scholarly Tradition”, 2009, https://journals-sagepub-
com.proxy.lnu.se/doi/pdf/10.1177/002088171004600213, 204 (120219)
55
Kenneth N. Waltz,” Realism and International Politics”, 2008 Taylor and Francis Ltd,
London, 197
56
Mearsheimer, J. J. (2009). Reckless States and Realism. International Relations, 23(2),
241–256. https://doi.org/10.1177/0047117809104637; (120219)
18
According to the realist view a rational state, with the goal to protecting itself,
will not knowingly aggravate another state. Due to the security dilemma this
can be hard to accomplish, since whatever decision a nation makes to increase
its own security usually decreases the security of another state. Keeping this
in mind a rational state will at some point go on the offensive towards a “wild”
state if they believe that this will increase power on the cost of the reckless
state. This increase of power will also grow the probability of survival which
is the main goal for states. 57
Nations exist in an anarchic order, which means that security is the ultimate
goal. It is only when a state’s security is assured that other goal such as profit,
power and tranquilly can become important. 58 The principle of action in this
order is a form of self-help, which means that nation’s most help themselves
by providing their own security. 59
In order for nations to create well – being and reassurance from threats, their
safety needs to be effective and successful. In a state of anarchy no one can
really be trusted which create an uneasy state of affairs, which is even more
intensified by the” security dilemma”. For example, can one state decide to
gather instrument of war for its own defense, however other nations then see
this as a threat and react by buildup their own war arsenal which can show the
first state that their concern and need of protection was required. 60
Interests
States foreign policy is usually influenced by domestic policy and the domestic
program is often a significant part of the decision process. Sometimes even
more than strategic logic policy, for example, one powerful affinitive group or
one particular person with a “bad faith agenda” can have unnecessary
57
Ibid, (120219)
58
Kenneth N. Waltz “Theory of international politics”, 1979 McGraw-Hill, Inc, United States,
169
59
Kenneth N. Waltz,” Realism and International Politics”, 63
60
Ibid, 59
19
influence on a state’s foreign strategy. According to Waltz, states who act
whiteout a strategic plan usually pay the price, which sometimes can be quite
high, since the international system in itself is highly predictable irrational
behaviour have a tendency to backfire. 61 The cost to pursue faulty politic does
according to Waltz creates strong incensement for states to act rational, and
that is the reason why the system does work in a predictable manner. 62
The field of global politics is autonomous from other areas such as the
economic, religious or ethical in terms of sphere of action and understanding,
which lead officials acting in terms of interest defined as power. Political
realism accept that a nation's morality can apply as a guideline for the foreign
policy, since all nations strive to transfer their moral ideal to other states.
Assuming that nations are the subject of moral rules is one thing, although, to
assert that someone surely knows what is good or evil in international relations
is something else entirely. Politicians should not allow other areas to be
superior to the political sphere. A politician always assesses how a certain
policy and action will affect the state's power. However, the officials are not
unaware of the existence, relevance, standards and principles of surrounding
areas.
Power rivalry
Realists believe that nations are in anarchy and the survival of the state is the
primary purpose. Only the most prominent and strong states can determine the
development of the world. Nations should only cooperate and share power if
it benefits their own interests and the goal is to maximize their own profits. As
a result, states are constantly arming themselves militarily and all nations
strive for more power and increased security. A state’s relative power is the
most important factor, which means how powerful a nation is in relation to
61
Mearsheimer, J. J. (2009). Reckless States and Realism (120219)
62
Mearsheimer, John J. "The False Promise of International Institutions." International
Security 19.3 (1994): 5-49. Web. (120219)
20
another state. Peace are only an exception because the very foundation of the
anarchic system is based on uncertainty and the threat of conflict is always
present. During the cold war there was a mutual fear of a nuclear war between
the US and the Soviet Union which actually made the risk of war less
imminent. 63 A “self-help” system demands that every state is in charge of
protect their own interest and not to relay on help from other nations for
survival. 64
Since the end of the cold war the international political system has evolved
into a unipolar structure. This form of arrangement seems to be the least stable.
When dominant power gets involved in affairs beyond their border, they
weaken themselves in the long run. Even though the dominate state is acting
with moderation and restrain, weaker states worries about the future behavior
of the state. Even the founding father of America expressed concerns about the
threats of power without checks and balance. Which begs the question if
balanced power is less of a concern. 65
One central questions Mearsheimer raises in his thesis about “False
Promise” is “can international institutions prevent war by changing state
behavior?” 66 Can institutions make states avoid war using a “balance-of-power
logic”, which means to refrain from calculating each important move
according to how it affects their relative power position. Realists does not
accept that institutions can sway away states from behaving as short-term
power maximizers. The institutions only reflect the state's interest in relative
power. Consequently, realists believe that institutions have no significant
effect on the nation's behavior. However, realists acknowledge that there may
be a positive purpose to use institutions to create, maintain and even increase
their share of world power. An example is NATO which consisted of the
63
Kenneth N. Waltz, International Security, Vol. 18, No. 2 (Fall, 1993), pp. 44-79
https://www.jstor.org/stable/i323303 (120219)
64
Ibid. 213 (120219)
65
Ibid. 214 (120219)
66
Mearsheimer, John J. "The False Promise of International Institutions." (120419).
21
United States allies during the cold war. The aim was to balance power against
the Soviet Union. The organization was informal and a ad hoc alliance that did
not force its member states to take action in war. 67
Resources
The vast majority of countries strive to become global superpowers and those
who do not do so are deviant. As a country's material resources increases does
also their status in the world. A state with a large and prominent economy have
had to assume the role as superpower whether it was the goal or not. 68 For a
country to remain a major power, it is necessary for the nation to use its
resources effectively in the long run. 69 Nations should gather all the wealth
and resources to which they are entitled. 70 In order for a poor country to take
its place among the prominent nations, it is necessary that the country use its
resources for its military objectives. 71
Since an important part of realism is the sovereignty of states and the
security of the nation, is it important for states to avoid becoming too
dependent on goods and resources that can be denied to them in crises.
Countries should therefore take the necessary measures to ensure that the
resources required for the survival of the state will exist even in times of
crisis. 72 The idea of interdependence is a prominent feature in liberalism.
However, the realist view cannot accept it if there is an unequal
interdependence between the partners, that is, if a particular state has more
67
John, J. Mearsheimer, “A Realist Reply”, International Security, Volume 20, Number 1,
Summer 1995, pp. 82-93, https://muse-jhu-edu.proxy.lnu.se/article/447391/pdf, 82 (120419).
68
Kenneth N. Waltz, The Emerging Structure of International Politics, International Security,
Volume 18, Number 2, Fall 1993, pp. 44-79, https://muse-jhu-
edu.proxy.lnu.se/article/447080/pdf 66 (120419).
69
Ibid 52 (120419).
70
Ibid 55 (120419).
71
Ibid 62 (120419).
72
Kenneth N. Waltz, Structural Realism after the Cold War, International Security 25:1,
http://www.columbia.edu/itc/sipa/U6800/readings-sm/Waltz_Structural%20Realism.pdf 15
(120419).
22
advantages over the other one. Relatively independent states are in a stronger
position than relatively dependent states, because, the dependent one is at
greater risk of being affected by the other state, which can adversely affect the
nation's security and sovereignty. 73
Another important factor regarding resources is the question of why
prominent states should invest large resources in expanding international
institutions if there is no obvious purpose and interest. Examples of such an
institution could be NATO; what benefits might states get from investing and
putting resources into such arrangement. 74
Liberalism
The main attention of international liberalism is society, interdependence and

progressive change. 75 The liberal theory is the second biggest theory within
international relations and emphases the importance of domestic and
international security and global organisations. 76
The UN system
International organizations are important factors within the liberalist theory.

International organizations are multilevel linkages, norms and institutions.
Sometimes referred to as another form of world politic structure. 77
In the 1950s and 1960s most of the liberal work was dedicated to the United
Nations and other official establishments. After the second world war ended,
several international organizations led by the US, such as UN offered
theoretical accounts on how collective security was logic and how the “League
of Nations” differed as collective security institution. Research made on
international institutions in the post war era took an interest in their formal
73
Kenneth N. Waltz, The Emerging Structure of International Politics, 53 (120419).
74
Ibid 21(120419)
75
G. John Ikenberry, “Liberalism in a Realist World”, 204 (120519)
76
Ibid, 204 (120519)
77
Robert O. Keohane and Joseph S. Nye, Jr., “Power and Interdependence”, fourth edition,
USA 2012, 46
23
procedures and policy. The United Nations itself was considered to be an
organization where influence was projected, and power was exercised. 78
Since, the US government has failed as peacekeepers in for example
Lebanon the role for UN to become a form of peacekeeper in the world has
enhanced. It is the Security Council’s responsibility to carry out the consent of
all nation within the UN. 79
International law
It is important to shift our attention from constitutional law to international

law. Even though international laws are hard to enforce and control, they can
guarantee respect. 80 By enforcing international law and multilateral
institutions this could offer a co-operative infrastructure and also provide a
stable controlling of international relations. According to the Wilsonian
version international law was “not a binding, sovereignty yielding legal
mechanism”. 81 Instead is it supposed to be considered a set of “legal norms”
that nations would embrace with respects to other democratic state and they
would want to embrace this law out of self-interest. The liberal expectation is
as time goes by, states would soon come to act according this set of norms
through adopting their ethical and political priorities. 82
International law could never be as complete nor as well enforced as in a
well-ordered domestic political system. The institutions are not working as
autonomous nor as powerful as in a domestic system either. 83 There are several
issues with applying international law and one of them is states viewing them
as insignificant or completely disregards them. Nevertheless, even though
78
79
Robert O. Keohane and Joseph S. Nye, Jr., “Power and Interdependence”, 293
80
81
82
83
24
international laws are weak, international governments usually have
interdependent relationship that does involve other countries. 84
Trade
There is an argument to be made that citizen only can appreciate the true
benefits of trade under conditions of peace. Therefore, does existing liberal
nations, among other US, Japan and EU, stresses the importance of peace. 85
According to the liberal view no one but the war advocate gains from war.
When free trade exists, “no class” gains from forcible expansion because;
“foreign raw material and food stuffs are as accessible to each nation as though
they were in its own territory” 86.
There are multiple advantages of trade. Amongst other does’ states
progresses towards free trade and liberty collectively. 87 Liberal economic
theory argues that these international links from a supportive internal law of
employment and free trade has several advantages. Each and every economy
would arguably have more prosperity than it would have had in an autarky;
each thus acquires an incentive to avoid politics that will not lead states to
break these economic ties. 88
The idea was that free trade and social and economic exchange would
facilitate the modernization of societies and create incentives for them to unite
their differences. Economic interdependence would provide the basis for
prosperity and undercut tyranny and geopolitical revisionism. 89
84
Ibid. 17
85
Michael W. Doyle, “Liberalism and World Politics”, The American Political Science
Review, Vol. 80, No. 4 (Dec., 1986), pp. 1151-1169,
https://www.jstor.org/stable/1960861?seq=1&cid=pdf-reference#references_tab_contents,
1151 (120619)
86
87
Michael W. Doyle, “Liberalism and World Politics”, 1154 (120619)
88
Ibid, 1161
89
G. John Ikenberry, “Liberalism in a Realist World” (120619)
25
Interdependence
Mutual dependence and cooperation help to stimulate further cooperative

behavior that is mutually beneficial to several states. 90 War and peace are
points that should be discussed in order for cooperation to be advantageous.
The emergence of the nation state as well as the western sovereignty, has
changed the view of anarchy and power and the relationship between
international politics and the international economy has become increasingly
more important. Dependence between states, institutions, authorities, non-
governmental companies and civil society has become even greater. This has
created questions on the global scale that all countries and regions should
consider. However, prominent differences remain in both focus and approach
between the countries. 91
Three different points are taken into consideration when studying
interdependence. The first is multiple channels, meaning that communities are
linked to each other through informal ties between state elites and formal
foreign office. This could be "face-to-face" contact between non-governmental
elites and information transfer taking place via multinational banks and
cooperation. This communication can be described as intergovernmental,
cross-border and transnational relations. 92
The second factor is managing the agenda of interstate relationship. The
agenda should not be determent beforehand, and military issue are therefore
not always at the top. Opening the agenda enables several issues to become
important as well as allowing issues that can create interdependence between
states. 93
Lastly should not the military use force against other governments due to
religion or if it is threatening interdependence between countries. For example,
90
Michael W. Doyle, “Liberalism and World Politics”, 1161 (120819)
91
92
93
Ibid 21
26
the military might be irrelevant in resolving disagreements on economic issues
among members of alliances, but at the same time is it important for alliances
that the political and military complex of mutual dependence should be
fulfilled. 94
Table 1.1
Security Interest Power rivalry Resources
States exist in an States foreign The international As the resources of

anarchic order. policy is political system is a state is growing is
They must help influenced by changing from also their status in
Realism them self to secure domestic policy, unipolar to bipolar. the world.
the survival of the For example, The relative power It is important to
state. through affinitive of states is of not be overly
groups or specific importance. dependent on other
people. states.
Are the states Is there interest of Have the states Has resources been
using the self-help certain people or tried to showcase an important factor
system when the domestic power against one to why Syria has
Indicator making decision policy that another? become an
regarding foreign decides the important arena for
involvement? international international
politics. involvement.
The UN system International Trade Interdependence
law
It is the Security Citizens can only Interdependence
Council’s Need for shifting appreciate benefits and cooperation
responsibility to the attention from of trade under help stimulate
Liberalism carry out the constitutional law conditions of peace. further cooperative
consent of all to international behavior that is
nation within the law. mutually beneficial
UN for the states.
Has the state’s Have the sates Are states entering Is there any
Indicator prominent role been regarding trade relationship interdependent
within the UN international with Syria. relationship
security council laws? between the actors
influenced there and Syria?
foreign policy.
94
Ibid, 21
27
Result
Realism
USA
In the year of 2013 the Obama administration announced their interest to take
action against al - Assad, however, the American people did not share the same
concern. Which also begged the question of what interest USA actually had
within the Syria conflict. 95 President Barack Obama announced in May 7 2014
that the United State had “both a moral obligation and a national security
interest in, ending the slaughter in Syria,” However, the American public had
no real interest or felt like they were responsible to be fighting in Syria.96
Russia’s interest in the Middle East have developed into a threat for the United
States, and they felt compelled to act to enhance their nation’s security. This
is a primary example of self – help. 97
The conflict in Syria has opened up for foreign interests that may be hostile
to the United States. The United States has contributed more than $ 500 million
in humanitarian aid and an additional $ 250 million to the opposition’s
Supreme Military Council. President Obama stated that the United States is
doing its utmost to facilitate the opposition groups in their work for a more
democratic and freer Syria. The Obama administration said that not only
would Syria's population benefit from a democratic Syria, but that it would
also be in the US interest. 98 This is a clear realistic idea since president Obama
wants to spread the idea and morals of the USA to create both security and
allies in the region. 99 Trumps interest in Syria is different from Obamas it does
95
United States Institute of peace https://www.usip.org/publications/what-the-us-interest-in-
syria (120719)
96
Truman center, what is the interest in Syria, 2011, http://trumancenter.org/doctrine-
blog/what-is-the-u-s-interest-in-syria/ (121119)
97
Glaser, Charles L. "Realists as Optimists: Cooperation as Self-Help." International
Security 19.3 (1994): 50-90. Web. (121119)
98
United States Institute of peace (121119)
99
Jefferey Goldberg, “The Obama Doctrine” The Atlantic April 2016
https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2016/04/the-obama-doctrine/471525/ (12111)
28
not seem as Trump has the same desire to create a democratic Syria that can
work as an ally in the Middle East. President Trump has instead made effort
to create improved relations with Russia and Turkey. 100 The interests of
Washington are affected by their ability to change the balance of power in the
world and also the domestic interest. 101
An argument made that the United States should shift some of the resources
and attention as they are currently giving to the Middle East and more specific
the conflict in Syria has not been accepted. The Middle East region has grown
into a sort of theater for “great-power competition”. One of the most prominent
factors to why the US will not leave Syria and the Middle East is that China
and specifically Russia will try to fill the vacuum that a US departure would
create. Russia has already made certain move that could be interpreted as they
have a desire to become a power broker in the region. 102
One of Syria's natural resources is oil and gas, which can explain some of
interest. However, since the war in Syria started in 2011, the oil and gas
production has been severally weakened. A huge reason for this was the
massive economic sanctions against the country. The conflict divided the oil
between several players; the Syrian government, the Kurdish forces, and the
Islamic State and they are all in conflict with each other. However, in spring
2016, half of the IS oil field was destroyed, due to an attack made by Russia,
America and the Kurds. 103 This is a clear realistic decision since the interest in
the oil is based in the nation's interest in increasing its resources and thus the
security of the country. 104
100
Helena Zachariasson, Trump häver sanktioner mot Turkiet, 23 OKTOBER 2019,
https://www.svt.se/nyheter/utrikes/trump-om-syrien (121119)
101
Walt, Stephen M. "Alliance Formation and the Balance of World Power." International
Security 9.4 (1985): 3-43. Web. (121119)
102
Robert Satloff, Ian S. Lustick, Mara Karlin, and Tamara Cofman Wittes, Commitment
Issues, may/ June 2019, https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/middle-east/2019-04-
16/commitment-issues (121219)
103
Hussein Almohamad, “Oil in Syria between Terrorism and Dictatorship” Soc.
Sci. 2016, 5(2), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci5020020 (121119)
104
Reid, Keith. "Oil Power." NPN, National Petroleum News96.5 (2004): 20-21. Web.
(121119)
29
In the autumn of 2019 president Trump decided to withdraw a huge part of
the American troops from Syria, however, he decided to leave the troops who
are controlling the oil. Trump announced that the only reason for leaving the
troops was to keep control over the oil and the statement has been highly
criticized. The US declaration regarding protecting the oil from the IS terrorist
movement is a sweeping reason even though several US officials has
articulated that the main reason for them to harvest the oil is to keep it away
from IS. It is illegal, according to international law, to exploit the natural
resources of an independent state unnotarized. Because it would be considered
to violate the territory of the nation and that would threat the sovereignty of
the state. Even Turkey, which due to their NATO membership has been an
allied to the United Stated, has expressed their believe that the Syrian natural
resources belong to the country itself. 105 This is a clear realist thought which
emphasizes the nations need for resources. Trump is breaking international
law, which may indicate that he does not recognize it which also reflects the
realist view. It is clearly important for Trump to not be depending on the
Middle East and the US does not aim to be in a relative dependence with the
region. 106
Russia
Hussein Almohamad, “Oil in Syria between Terrorism and Dictatorship” (12111)

105
106
Stephen M. Walt, “The Realist Case for Impeachment”, Foreign policy, September 27,
2019, https://foreignpolicy.com/2019/09/27/the-realist-case-for-impeachment/ (12111)
30
Russia has been in an important player in the Middle East for a long time and
they have a special interest in Syria. When the Trump administration
announced in autumn 2019 that they would remove their military troops from
the northern part of Syria. Russia was given the opportunity to take part in the
decisions regarding the evolvement of the conflict. Since the US prepared to
leave the conflict, the Kremlin’s strategy would not have to change
significantly, which implore the question that maybe it was not only about
Syria. 107 It could be argued that Russia’s campaign in Syria and interests in
the entire Middle East was always the Kremlin’s goal. Hence, the conflict was
viewed as an instrument to showcase Russia’s motivations as a global power
within the Middle East. This would allow Moscow to recognize the Trump
administration’s decision to desert Syria as a victory, which therefor would
add significantly power to the capital. Furthermore, it would allow the Russian
politicians to also reach out to important leaders in Europe such as France and
Germany to influence them to embrace their own version of a political
settlement. Russia have a noticeably interest in spreading their ideology and
morals within the region to create even more security. Moscow is showing
their power against the United States as a way to shift the power balance and
also help themselves to show other states that the nation once again is on its
way to become a superpower. 108
When Russia started to mediate in the Middle East, Syria was in a state of
crises with several different groups in conflict with each other. However,
Moscow and their military campaign in Syria was meet with extreme caution
due to the collapse of the Soviet Union. Russia saw a defeat of IS as an
important part of the political settlement in Syria, which would open of for
Russia to regain their status as a global power. 109
107
Kurowska, Xymena, and Anatoly Reshetnikov. "Neutrollization: Industrialized Trolling
as a Pro-Kremlin Strategy of Desecuritization." Security Dialogue 49.5 (2018): 345-63.
Web. (121019)
31
It is clear that Moscow have had a goal of emerging as a regional power
within the area. Russia adopted a form of “fixer role” and articulated that they
could be a new alternative to the United States. The role as “fixer” has given
benefits to Russia and it could be argued that Putin always have had greater
intentions then to just take what was left but to “flex its muscle and showcase
power”. Moscow have increased trade and regional political capital in the
region. Even before Trump’s decision to withdraw troops from Syria, Russia
had already developed enough political capital and used its hard power
leverage to become a key intermediary. 110 Russia is trying to shift the power
balance and there is several indications that the Middle East has become an
arena for Moscow to change the world order from unipolar to bipolar. One
effect this will have is according to Waltz a more secure international politics
that has a form of checks and balance that currently are not existing. 111
Russia has also taken an interest in Syria's oil production and has tried to
help the government to regain control. In addition, in the year of 2018 the two
states entered into an agreement on a joint energy cooperation contract. The
agreement gave Russia exclusive rights to build up the Syrian oil and gas
sector, which was seriously affected by the unrest in the country. IS took
control over the oil production as a result of the conflict, however, they lost it
to the opposition and the US. In addition, production was negatively impacted
by the US air strikes that caused major injuries. 112 Moscow has an economic
interest regarding getting access to the oil production. Both USA and Russia
108
DMITRIY FROLOVSKIY, What Putin Really Wants in Syria, Foreign Policy, FEBRUARY
1, 2019, HTTPS://FOREIGNPOLICY.COM/2019/02/01/WHAT-PUTIN-REALLY-
WANTS-IN-SYRIA-RUSSIA-ASSAD-STRATEGY-KREMLIN/ (121219)
109
SOHR, “Turkey, Russia preparing another Syria summit: Kremlin”, 04/07/2019,
http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=133426 (121219)
DMITRIY FROLOVSKIY” WHAT Putin Really Wants in Syria”, (121219)
110
SOHR, “Turkey, Russia preparing another Syria summit: Kremlin”, (121219)
DMITRIY FROLOVSKIY” WHAT Putin Really Wants in Syria, (121219)
111
112
SOHR, In one month, International Coalition limits its control to oil fields, and Russia
becomes a new player in northern and northeastern Syria, 25/10/2019,
32
stress the importance of resources. An increase in recourses will growth
Russia’s status in the world and to not be overly dependent on other states. 113
Moscow has expressed its dislike for the Trump administration's plan to
maintain the military presence at the Syrian oil fields. According the US was
the reason for keeping the oil fields solely for the sake of the nation's security,
however, it is arguably their way of keeping the assets away from both Russia
and Iran. 114
Russia's 2015 military intervention in Syria took many by surprise and
raised questions about the potential for similar actions in other conflicts
outside of post-Soviet. Russia’s decision to intervene in Syria could be a direct
effect of the threat the conflict presented against the nation’s security. The
intervention would also provide significant benefits such as geopolitical
profits. Since the conflict was an imposing security threat, alternative means,
for example diplomacy, would according to Moscow have been proven
useless. 115 On the other hand, it could be argued that other methods would
have been positive, for example during the war in Lebanon, there were
hundreds of ceasefires that, despite being constantly broken, saved thousands
of people's lives. 116 Nevertheless, even if it is not likely that Russia will
intervene in other neighboring countries. The USA both civilian and military
decisionmakers should not assume that Russia will back down from any
conflict that will be beneficial for their interest. 117
113
Mehmet Enes Aşçı. "The Energy Policies of Eu, Russia, Turkey and Syria." International
Journal of Commerce and Finance 4.1 (2018): 96-106. Web. (121219)
114
SOHR, Russia Calls U.S. Move to Protect Syrian Oil ‘Banditry’, 15/11/2019,
115
SOHR, 50 months of the Russian intervention in Syria: thousands of dead, political
agreements and military measures to return more than two-thirds of the country to the
control of the “regime”. Northern Syria is a gift from the International Coalition to Moscow
and Assad, 30/11/2019, http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=149018 (121219)
116
Viswanathan, Prema. "Lebanon Polymer Trading Rebounds with Cease-fire." ICIS
Chemical Business Americas 270.8 (2006): 16. Web. (121219)
117
SOHR, 50 months of the Russian intervention in Syria: thousands of dead, political
agreements and military measures to return more than two-thirds of the country to the control
of the “regime”. Northern Syria is a gift from the International Coalition to Moscow and
Assad, (121219)
33
Liberalism
USA
There are currently two basic legal principles in international systems: states
are sovereign, and they should not invade other states generally. The UN
Charter reflects these two principles and recognizes only two exceptions in its
text: actions taken under a UN Security Council resolution and individual or
collective self-defense. The United States has stated that they are considering
taking action against the Syrian regime and it is necessary to decide how to
comply with these laws. If they choose to look past the laws claiming that there
is a greater purpose, it could potentially be considered an illegal intervention
in Syria. 118 Syria is still a sovereign state that can maintain reasonable control
over its borders, economy and population. There have been exceptions with
the UN resolution, for example when the United States invaded Libya. Both
Russia and China have stated that they will veto any intervention in Syria that
comes before the Security Council. 119
According to International laws is an imminent attack against Syria illegal,
though, an armed intervention would be legal if the Syria government was
planning to attack another state. However, the same argument was made
during the American intervention of Iraq and the theory relies heavily on
evidence and intent, which historically has been difficult to prove. It is
problematic to create a hard-legal justification by the UN for an invasion of
Syria. According to this theory, there is reason to believe that the United States
118
United Nations, International Law and Justice, http://trumanproject.org/home/doctrine-
blog/international-law-constrans-u-s-action-in-syria/ (121419)
119
Ibid. (121419)
34
could have a case based on the violence in Syria, including the huge number
of refugees, armed violence, and border instability. 120
Although there may be an interest in the United States to overlock
international laws, they should be considered normative values that foreign
policy should embrace. International law, treaty obligations and international
institutions act as brakes to force nations to more carefully consider the
enormous costs and consequences of war, seek consent and consider the
broader principles and precedent that are at stake before embarking on war.121
Most scholars within the field considered the US air strikes to be illegal.
Among other things, it was not considered to be a humanitarian intervention.
However, there is an ongoing debate over whether the doctrine of “Jus ad
Bellum” contains an exception for humanitarian efforts, the dominant view is
that the doctrine contains no such exception. The operation in Syria was
carried out even though there was no permit from the UN Security Council,
nor was it carried out on the basis of self-defense. Another factor that has led
to criticism was the amount of force used from the US. 122 Regardless of the
intentions expressed by the Obama administration, they do not follow
international law, which contradict Barack Obama's otherwise liberalistic
view. 123
Growing evidence has shown that about 1,429 civilians and more than 400
children died in the chemical weapon attack in Syria, by President Bashar Al-
Assad. The attack led to several militaries, political and moral considerations
for what responsibilities other states should have and when does it become
legal to enter another country. In particular, it is important to discuss whether
the Syrian government violated international law when using chemical
120
CHARLOTTE WESTBROOK, “LEGALITY AND MORALITY IN INTERNATIONAL
LAW: THE SYRIA AIR STRIKES”, Vol. 51:953 http://nyujilp.org/wp-
content/uploads/2019/07/NYI306.pdf 953 (121419)
121
Ibid 953 (121419)
122
Ibid 956 (121419)
123
Forsythe, David P. "US Foreign Policy and Human Rights: Situating Obama.( Pres. Barack
Obama)." Human Rights Quarterly 33.3 (2011): 767-789. Web. (121419)
35
weapons against civilians and whether the US were legally required to retaliate
with military force. 124
The United States has on several occasions tried to get approval in the UN
Security Council to impose military sanctions on Syria, but it has been vetoed
down by Russia and China. However, the UNSIMS was cleared. 125 The terms
of resolution 2043 authorized a primary placement of up to 300 unarmed
military observers and a civilian module. The resolution was given the
following mandate; 126 “To monitor a cessation of armed violence in all its
forms by all parties; To monitor and support the full implementation of the
Envoy’s six-point plan” 127 The Council requested the Syrian government to
guarantee an efficient operation through enabling a unobstructed deployment
of its personnel and capabilities and also to ensure freedom of movement and
also access to fulfil its directive. 128
In November 2018, the Department of Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets
Control (OFAC), together with the State Department and the US Coast Guard,
released an update highlighting the risks of cargo and transportation to Syria.
There were further additions to risks related to the transport of petroleum
owned by the Syrian government and the petroleum with Iranian origin. This
was issued on March 25, 2019. 129 The main reason why these US departments
release this information was to warn states who entered into agreements on
petroleum shipments with Syria could be at high risk of sanctions by the
USA. 130 This form of threats does not match with the liberal thought on trade
cause according to the theory is it imperative that everyone is a part of the
124
Ibid 956 (121419)
125
Hazan, D. (2012, Sep 27). Human rights in Syria worsen; global powers intervene.
University Wire Retrieved from http://proxy.lnu.se/login?url=https://search-proquest-
126
United Nations, “UNITED NATIONS SUPERVISION MISSION IN SYRIA” 20.02.2012
https://peacekeeping.un.org/mission/past/unsmis/ (11.30.19)
127
Ibid (113019)
128
Ibid. (113019)
129
United States Government, U.S department of the treasury, Syria Sanctions, 4.2.2019
https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/Programs/pages/syria.aspx (113019)
130
Ibid. (11.30.19)
36
treaty. However, the liberalist view also argues that it is not possible to achieve
the true benefits from trade if it is not under conditions of peace which could
explain the reason for the United States statement. The sanctions introduced
included trade restrictions and freezing of assets to several Syrian officials, as
well as a ban on Syrian investment. The sanctions have been introduced for
the sale, transfer, delivery or export of "jet fuel" and "fuel additives" to Syria
since January 7, 2015. 131
John Kerry, the US secretary of states between 2013 till 2017, argues that
the government of Syria’s Bashar al-Assad and Islamic State militants have an
interdependent relationship with each other. He expressed that “Assad and
ISIL are symbiotic. ISIL presents itself as the only alternative to Assad. Assad
purports to be the last line of defense against ISIL. Both are stronger as a
result.” 132 According to Kerry the situation in Syria can only be resolved
through political transformation rather than military power. 133 Kerry opens up
the agenda and talks about the importins of political relations instead of armed
violence which is a rather liberal view. 134 The secretary also expressed the
need to be involved in the Middle East since any form of disturbance within
the region could be harmful to US economy and national security. “Any
serious disruption to the Gulf oil supplies can have major consequences for
our own well-being,” 135 according to Kerry. 136 He underlined the need for
resources as an important factor for the nation’s security which is a clear
realistic thought. 137
131
Ibid (12.15.19)
132
Secretary of State John Kerry Speech on Syria
National Institute for Peace Washington DC - November 12, 2015,
https://www.usip.org/sites/default/files/files/2015_1112-Remarks-as-prepared-Secretary-
Kerry-at-USIP-Syria.pdf (12.15.19)
133
Ibid (121519)
134
Grancay, Martin, and Szikorova, Nora. "Liberalism in Foreign Trade versus Liberalism in
Air Transportation Is There a Link?" (12.15.19)
135
Secretary of State John Kerry “Speech on Syria” (12.15.19)
136
Ibid. (12.15.19)
137
Grancay, Martin, and Szikorova, Nora. "Liberalism in Foreign Trade versus Liberalism in
Air Transportation Is There a Link?" (12.15.19)
37
Russia
The Russian approach to issues of humanitarian intervention and the

responsibility to protect (R2P) goes against the Western-inspired international
norms. Among other things, has the debate been triggered by the conflict in
Syria and what international law actually allows? The United States and Russia
have considered different actions against Syria, which makes it difficult for
the UN Security Council to implement policy. 138 To some extent, Moscow has
shown that international law is not truly accepted and that it is not an obvious
part of their foreign policy. Regarding their use of the UN and its resources,
Russia has clearly disregarded the US view that the UN should take its
responsibility in Syria and used its veto right by stopping several of the
proposals in the Security Council. 139
The debate has shined some light on whether Russia has ignored the
responsibility to protect (R2P) to instead guard their own strategic interests in
Syria, including vetoing a resolution that threatens to impose sanctions. This
approach to Syria can be explained by their desire to maximize their growing
political influence and the trade benefits they enjoy through their relations with
the Syrian regime; it is also a way for them to legitimize their foreign policy
interests. Moscow's attitudes to intervention and R2P show major differences
between Western liberal democracies, including the United States. The
question this raises is which arguments relate best to the resolution explaining
international law. In addition, questions that explain the extent to which
Moscow's arguments may affect international legal debates in conflicts. 140 An
argument to be made here is whether Russia is actually following the
international laws better than the US by stopping sanctions against Syria. It
138
DEREK AVERRE, LANCE DAVIES, Russia, humanitarian intervention and the
Responsibility to Protect: the case of Syria, International Affairs, Volume 91, Issue 4, July
2015, Pages 813–834, https://doi.org/10.1111/1468-2346.12343 815 (12.15.19)
139
Hazan, D. (2012, Sep 27). Human rights in syria worsen; global powers intervene.
(12.15.19)
140
Ibid 816 (12.15.19)
38
depends on how to interpretive the US resolution on when states are allowed
to enter another country. 141
Russia and Syria have developed an open and responsive relationship.
Amongst other, trade and economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation
have taken shape. In several different arenas, sizable investment projects have
advanced. Moscow expressed their desire to keep working together to further
straightening their relationship on the bilateral agenda. 142
Since the Western world has created several economic sanctions against
Russia, the Middle East, including Syria, has become a favourable arena for
Russia's economy. Arabic oil investments along with fruits, vegetables and
dairy products from the Middle East can fill the void that European agricultural
producers left. Several countries within the Middle East are sceptical and have
expressed criticism of Washington and its lack of action, especially during the
Syrian civil war. Al – Assad is using the political and economic dealings with
Russia as a means to signal to the United States that there are different
alternatives. 143
The relationship between the Gulf states, including Syria, has become an
important ally for Russia and its position within the region. Cooperation and
dependence between the states is increasing, primarily the energy cooperation.
This could also lead to an increases financial position for Russia in the
region. 144 Russia has clearly changed its approach to the region since the fall
141
Bill Chappell, Russia Says U.S. Broke International Law In Striking Syria, Citing 'Pretext',
NPR, April, 7 2017, https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-
way/2017/04/07/522982477/russia-says-u-s-broke-international-law-in-striking-syria-
citing-pretext?t=1577291766499 (12.15.19)
142
The Russian Government, “Dmitry Medvedev congratulates Syrian Prime Minister Imad
Khamis on the 75th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations” 21 July 2019,
http://government.ru/en/news/37417/ (120119)
143
SOHR, “Russia plans long-term Mideast presence via Syria” 27/08/2017,
144
Katerina Oskarsson and Steve A. Yetiv, “Russia and the Persian Gulf:: Trade, Energy, and
Interdependence” Middle East Journal , Vol. 67, No. 3 (Summer 2013), pp. 381-403,
https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.2307/90000726, 381 (120119)
39
of the Soviet Union. Both with regard to the political position of the Persian
Gulf as well as expressed economic interests in the area. Russia has also a
commercial interest in the region, and interest in creating regional stability. 145
Both the Russian government and the Syria government has developed
informal channels that are characteristic for liberal interdependence. 146 The
Syrian crisis could further affect Russia's relations with major Arab Gulf states
in a positive manner. 147
The commercial interests for Russia in the region must not mean a complete
absence of rivalry in non-military areas nor a complete absence of geopolitical
competition. Several of the cooperation relations that exist between Russia,
China and the United States are characterized by important parts of both
cooperation and rivalry. However, there is information that would suggest that
Russia is trying to limit US influence in the region. This may have several
reasons, among other things, for meeting its regional goals and partly for
control at a global level. Another reason for limiting the influence of the
United States could be Russia wanting to build up and protect and strengthen
the perception of sovereignty. Furthermore, the rivalry between the United
States and Russia are not the most important issue but instead raise the
question of whether rivalry is resilient to other factors, including dependency
148
and legitimate interests in stability for commercial purposes.
An important point regarding Russia's cooperation with the Gulf states
concerns the region's choice to invest even more in Russian oil and gas
extraction and production. In 2008, the International Energy Agency
submitted a forecast for oil production earlier, had clearly departed from the
view that oil supply may reach a peak or reach a point where global oil
145
Ibid 401 (120119)
146
Allison, Roy. "Russia and Syria: Explaining Alignment with a Regime in
Crisis." International Affairs 89.4 (2013): 795-823. Web. (120119)
147
Katerina Oskarsson and Steve A. Yetiv, “Russia and the Persian Gulf: Trade, Energy, and
Interdependence”, 381 (120119)
148
Ibid 401(120119)
40
production no longer increases to then decline. There are several important
factors that drive the potential problem of oil reaching its peak, which is the
underinvestment of major oil companies and countries, both in oil discovery
and in production. These underinvestment’s are caused by a number of
different factors, but this problem can be alleviated by greater cooperation
between Russia and the Gulf, which will also continue in the longer term. For
Russia is it important to maintain favorable relations with the West. 149 Russia
has opened the agenda and moved away from military force and instead
focused on the relations and interdependence they have created in the region.
This does beg the question whether this is because of their liberalistic view or
due to them wanting to show USA that they are not the only game in town. 150
Discussion
This analysis opens up for several questions, amongst other, what the
underlying interest is when states make decisions. Regarding Russia is it
definitely interesting to consider whether the purpose has always been to return
to a major global power or whether interest for power has increased as the
nation has gained more and more influence in the region. I argue that the
balance of power is an important motivation to explain the vast interest in
Syria. The aim for Putin's Russia has likely always been to maximize its
influence and create allies in the region in order to challenge to balance of
power against the United States and to contest the unipolar world order.
As for the US there is also a clear realistic perspective, however, there is still
some differences between the Obama administration and President Trumps
way of dealing with the conflict. The liberalistic view was more present during
Obama, for example, he expressed a desire for the UN to create a peaceful and
149
Ibid 403 (120119)
150
Nye, Joseph S. “Power and Interdependence Revisited.” International Organization, vol.
41, no. 4, 1987, pp. 725–753. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/2706764. (122219)
41
democratic Syria. Nevertheless, the ultimate goal was likely to acquire a new
ally against Iran. While Trump clearly expressed realistic thoughts, for
example his decision to keep the US forces controlling the oil in the country,
in order to protect the US from IS. However, his main reason is probable to
increase resources and use the oil as a way of not being as dependent on the
Middle East's natural resources. Other factors that are likely to explain the
decision, is balancing power and creating a strong independent state and keep
the US as the number one global power.
Political officials are primarily focusing on the nation's security, prosperity
and power. For the US, has Iran been an important factor and something that
has greatly influenced their interest in the Syria conflict. For Russia, is there a
great interest in resuming their status as a superpower and the country has a
vast interest in gaining influence in the region. The realistic perspective has
played a major role in Syria and the superpowers have used the country as an
arena to pursue their own interests and increase their power.
Is it liberalism?
It is the realistic perspective that governs the states when deciding on the
course of action regarding their foreign policy. Although there is possible to
find liberalistic elements. In addition, I believe there are often elements of
realism in what appears to be clear liberal factors. For example,
interdependence or sanctions can instead of liberalism be a sort of compelling
diplomacy, which is instead a realistic element.
The UN is a liberal institution that is built on factors of interdependence and
international laws. However, in the Security Council, has the US and Russia
been given the opportunity to vote in which way they believe that world policy
should develop. It is of interest to consider if the states where actually
following UN resolution and international law. The United States claims that
it had a responsibility to the Syrian people at the same time that Russia together
42
with China vetoed several sanctions. Questions of responsibility and the extent
to which Syria had control over its borders can be debated. It also opens up
questions about whether the UN should be an arena for strong powers to pursue
their own politics. Again, the underlying interest behind these states becomes
interesting to keep analyzing.
Bibliography
Printed
John Baylis, Steve Smith and Patricia Owens, “The globalization of world
politics – an introduction to international relations”, sixth edition, Oxford
University Press 2014
Kenneth N. Waltz,” Realism and International Politics”, 2008 Taylor and
Francis Ltd
Kenneth N. Waltz “Theory of international politics”, 1979 McGraw-Hill, Inc,
United States
Peter Esaiasson, Mikael Giljam, Henrik Oskarsson, Lena Wängnerud,
”Metodpraktikan – konsten att studera samhälle, individ och marknad” tredje
upplagan, Elanders Gotab, Vällingeby 2007. 40
Robert O. Keohane and Joseph S. Nye, Jr., “Power and Interdependence”,
fourth edition, USA 2012
https://www.usip.org/sites/default/files/files/2015_1112-Remarks-as-
prepared-Secretary-Kerry-at-USIP-Syria.pdf
Sharan B. Merriam,” Qualitative Research and Case study Applications in
Education” California 1998
Unprinted
43
Allison, Roy. "Russia and Syria: Explaining Alignment with a Regime in
Crisis." International Affairs 89.4 (2013): 795-823. Web.
Bill Chappell, Russia Says U.S. Broke International Law In Striking Syria,
Citing 'Pretext', NPR, April, 7 2017, https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-
way/2017/04/07/522982477/russia-says-u-s-broke-international-law-in-
striking-syria-citing-pretext?t=1577291766499 (12.15.19)
Bisley, Nick. Great Powers in the Changing International Order, Lynne
Rienner Publishers, 2012. ProQuest Ebook Central, https://ebookcentral-
proquest-com.proxy.lnu.se/lib/linne-ebooks/detail.action?docID=3329021.
CHARLOTTE WESTBROOK, “LEGALITY AND MORALITY IN

INTERNATIONAL LAW: THE SYRIA AIR STRIKES”, Vol. 51:953
http://nyujilp.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/NYI306.pdf
Christopher J. Coyne , ”The Law and Economics of Foreign Intervention and
Rule Reform”, Department of Economics George Mason University Fairfax,
VA 22030 https://masonlec.org/site/rte_uploads/files/Coyne%20-
%20L%26E%20of%20Foreign%20Intervention..pdf
Deen K. Chatterjee and Don E.Scheid, “Ethics and Foreign Intervention”
Cambridge university press, 2003,
https://books.google.se/books?hl=en&lr=&id=j6Jsk49siVUC&oi=fnd&pg=P
R9&dq=foreign+intervention+definition&ots=6yojea2j9t&sig=vcPEJ-ZLN-
eqCG9S5UgJ5CvVnK0&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=foreign%20interventio
n%20definition&f=false
DEREK AVERRE, LANCE DAVIES, Russia, humanitarian intervention and

the Responsibility to Protect: the case of Syria, International Affairs, Volume
91, Issue 4, July 2015, Pages 813–834, https://doi.org/10.1111/1468-
2346.12343 815
DMITRIY FROLOVSKIY ”What Putin Really Wants in Syria, Foreign Policy,
010119, https://foreignpolicy.com/2019/02/01/what-putin-really-wants-in-
syria-russia-assad-strategy-kremlin/
Dogan, Y. P. (2015). Two views on... the middle east today. Turkish
Review, 5(3), 225-231. Retrieved from
com.proxy.lnu.se/docview/1690963071?accountid=14827
Doyle Michael W., “Liberalism and World Politics”, The American Political
Science Review, Vol. 80, No. 4 (Dec., 1986), pp. 1151-1169,
https://www.jstor.org/stable/1960861?seq=1&cid=pdf-
reference#references_tab_contents
44
Fajana, Sola. “The Systems Approach as Theory for Multinational Industrial
Relations in Developing Countries.” Relations Industrielles / Industrial
Relations, vol. 44, no. 3, 1989, pp. 615–634. JSTOR,
Forsythe, David P. "US Foreign Policy and Human Rights: Situating

Obama.(Pres. Barack Obama)." Human Rights Quarterly 33.3 (2011): 767-
789. Web.
G. John Ikenberry, “Liberalism in a Realist World: International Relations as
an American Scholarly Tradition”, 2009, https://journals-sagepub-
com.proxy.lnu.se/doi/pdf/10.1177/002088171004600213
Glaser, Charles L. "Realists as Optimists: Cooperation as Self-
Help." International Security 19.3 (1994): 50-90. Web.
Grancay, Martin, and Szikorova, Nora. "Liberalism in Foreign Trade versus
Liberalism in Air Transportation Is There a Link?" Panoeconomicus 61.6
(2014): 709-21. Web.
Hazan, D. (2012, Sep 27). Human rights in syria worsen; global powers
intervene.University Wire Retrieved from
Helena Zachariasson, Trump häver sanktioner mot Turkiet, 23 OKTOBER
2019 https://www.svt.se/nyheter/utrikes/trump-om-syrien
Hussein Almohamad, “Oil in Syria between Terrorism and Dictatorship” Soc.

Sci. 2016, 5(2), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci5020020
Jefferey Goldberg, “The Obama Doctrine” The Atlantic April 2016
https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2016/04/the-obama-
doctrine/471525/
John, J. Mearsheimer, “A Realist Reply”, International Security, Volume 20,
Number 1, Summer 1995, pp. 82-93, https://muse-jhu-
edu.proxy.lnu.se/article/447391/pdf
Joseph Grieco, Robert Powell and Duncan Snidal “The American Political
Science Review” Vol. 87, No. 3 (Sep., 1993), pp. [727]-743
Katerina Oskarsson and Steve A. Yetiv, “Russia and the Persian Gulf:: Trade,
Energy, and Interdependence” Middle East Journal , Vol. 67, No. 3 (Summer
2013), pp. 381-403, https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.2307/90000726, 381
(120119)
45
Kurowska, Xymena, and Anatoly Reshetnikov. "Neutrollization:
Industrialized Trolling as a Pro-Kremlin Strategy of
Desecuritization." Security Dialogue 49.5 (2018): 345-63. Web.
Landis, Joshua. "The Syrian Uprising of 2011: Why the Asad Regime Is Likely
to Survive to 2013." Middle East Policy 19.1 (2012): 72-84. Web.
Lee, Steven P. "Ethics and Foreign Intervention, Deen K. Chatterjee and Don
E. Scheid, Eds. (New York: Cambridge University Press, 2003), 316 Pp., $58
Cloth, $20.99 Paper." Ethics & International Affairs 18.2 (2004): 101-02.
Web.
Marc Weller, Syria air strikes: Were they legal? BBC news, 14, April 2018,
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-43766556
Mearsheimer, J. J. (2009). Reckless States and Realism. International

Relations, 23(2), 241–256. https://doi.org/10.1177/0047117809104637
Mearsheimer, John J. "The False Promise of International

Institutions." International Security 19.3 (1994): 5-49. Web. https://lnu-se-
primo.hosted.exlibrisgroup.com/primo-
explore/fulldisplay?docid=TN_jstor_archive_210.2307%2F2539078&contex
t=PC&vid=primo-custom-
lnu&lang=sv_SE&search_scope=default_scope&adaptor=primo_central_mu
ltiple_fe&tab=default_tab&query=any,contains,Mearsheimer,%20John%20f
alse%20promise&offset=0
Mehmet Enes Aşçı. "The Energy Policies of Eu, Russia, Turkey and
Syria." International Journal of Commerce and Finance 4.1 (2018): 96-106.
Web.
Nationalencyklopedin, internationell politik.

http://www.ne.se.proxy.lnu.se/uppslagsverk/encyklopedi/lång/internationell-
politik
Nye, Joseph S. “Power and Interdependence Revisited.” International
Organization, vol. 41, no. 4, 1987, pp. 725–753. JSTOR,
Nye, Joseph S. Power in the Global Information Age from Realism to

Globalization. London ; New York: Routledge, 2004. Web.
Pearson, Frederic S. “Foreign Military Interventions and Domestic

Disputes.” International Studies Quarterly, vol. 18, no. 3, 1974, pp. 259–
290. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/2600156.
46
Stent, A. (2016, Jan). Putin's power play in syria. Foreign Affairs, 95, 106-
113. Retrieved from
Quamar, M. M. (2018). Trump and West Asia: Policy Departures and

Geopolitical Implications. India Quarterly, 74(3), 272–289.
https://doi.org/10.1177/0974928418785478
Reid, Keith. "Oil Power." NPN, National Petroleum News96.5 (2004): 20-21.
Web.
Robert Satloff, Ian S. Lustick, Mara Karlin, and Tamara Cofman Wittes,
Commitment Issues, may/ June 2019,
https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/middle-east/2019-04-
16/commitment-issues
Scharf Michael, “How the War against ISIS Changed International Law”, 48
Case W. Res. J. Int'l L. 15 (2016),
https://heinonline.org/HOL/LandingPage?handle=hein.journals/cwrint48&di
v=7&id=&page=

https://www.usip.org/sites/default/files/files/2015_1112-Remarks-as-
prepared-Secretary-Kerry-at-USIP-Syria.pdf (12.15.19)
S. NEIL MACFARLANE, The ‘R’ in BRICs: is Russia an emerging

power?, International Affairs, Volume 82, Issue 1, January 2006, Pages 41–
57, https://doi-org.proxy.lnu.se/10.1111/j.1468-2346.2006.00514.x
SOHR, “Russia plans long-term Mideast presence via Syria” 27/08/2017,

http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=73019
SOHR, Turkey, Russia preparing another Syria summit: Kremlin, 04/07/2019,
SOHR, In one month, International Coalition limits its control to oil fields, and
Russia becomes a new player in northern and northeastern Syria, 25/10/2019,
SOHR, Russia Calls U.S. Move to Protect Syrian Oil ‘Banditry’, 15/11/2019,
SOHR, 50 months of the Russian intervention in Syria: thousands of dead,
political agreements and military measures to return more than two-thirds of
47
the country to the control of the “regime”. Northern Syria is a gift from the
International Coalition to Moscow and Assad, 30/11/2019,
Stent, A. (2016, Jan). Putin's power play in Syria. Foreign Affairs, 95, 106-
113. Retrieved from http://proxy.lnu.se/login?url=https://search-proquest-
Stephen, M. D. (2017). Emerging powers and emerging trends in global
governance.Global Governance, 23(3), 483-502. Retrieved from
Svenska Dagbladet, ”FN: Asylsystemet måste ändras”, 2015-01-21,

https://www.svd.se/fn-asylsystemet-maste-andras
The Russian Government, “Dmitry Medvedev congratulates Syrian Prime

Minister Imad Khamis on the 75th anniversary of establishing diplomatic
relations” 21 July 2019, http://government.ru/en/news/37417/
Truman center, What is the interest in Syria, 2011,
http://trumancenter.org/doctrine-blog/what-is-the-u-s-interest-in-syria/
UNHCR, ”Kriget i Syrien” 2019, https://sverigeforunhcr.se/syrien

United Nations, “UNITED NATIONS SUPERVISION MISSION IN SYRIA”
20.02.2012 https://peacekeeping.un.org/mission/past/unsmis/
United States Institute of peace https://www.usip.org/publications/what-the-
us-interest-in-syria
United States Government, U.S department of the treasury, “Syria Sanctions”,
4.2.2019 https://www.treasury.gov/resource-
center/sanctions/Programs/pages/syria.aspx
United Nations, International Law and Justice,
http://trumanproject.org/home/doctrine-blog/international-law-constrans-u-s-
action-in-syria/ (121419)
Utrikespolitiska institutet, ”Konflikten i Syrien” 2019,
https://www.ui.se/landguiden/konflikter/syrien/
Viswanathan, Prema. "Lebanon Polymer Trading Rebounds with Cease-
fire." ICIS Chemical Business Americas 270.8 (2006): 16. Web
Wallace, L. (2017, Apr 11). Obama aides push back against criticism of
inaction on syria. University Wire Retrieved from
48
Walt, Stephen M. "Alliance Formation and the Balance of World

Power." International Security 9.4 (1985): 3-43. Web.
Walt, Stephen M “The Realist Case for Impeachment”, Foreignpolicy,
Septmeber 27, 2019, https://foreignpolicy.com/2019/09/27/the-realist-case-
for-impeachment/
"Washington Takes the Initiative." MEED Middle East Economic
Digest 58.37 (2014): 18. Web.
Waltz, Kenneth. "Structural Realism after the Cold War." International

Security 25.1 (2000): 5-41. Web. 6
Waltz Kenneth N., International Security, Vol. 18, No. 2 (Fall, 1993), pp. 44-
79 https://www.jstor.org/stable/i323303
Waltz Kenneth N., Structural Realism after the Cold War, International
Security 25:1, http://www.columbia.edu/itc/sipa/U6800/readings-
sm/Waltz_Structural%20Realism.pdf
Waltz Kenneth N., The Emerging Structure of International Politics,
International Security, Volume 18, Number 2, Fall 1993, pp. 44-79,
https://muse-jhu-edu.proxy.lnu.se/article/447080/pdf
Young, William, et al. Spillover from the Conflict in Syria : An Assessment of

the Factors That Aid and Impede the Spread of Violence, RAND Corporation,
The, 2014. ProQuest Ebook Central, https://ebookcentral-proquest-
com.proxy.lnu.se/lib/linne-ebooks/detail.action?docID=1899338.
Yassin-Kassab, Robin, and Leila Al-Shami. Burning Country : Syrians in

Revolution and War, Pluto Press, 2016. ProQuest Ebook Central,
https://ebookcentral-proquest-com.proxy.lnu.se/lib/linne-
ebooks/detail.action?docID=4396445.
Zughni, Farrah. "Lawmakers Focus on Syrian Weapons." Arms Control

Today 42.3 (2012): 29-30. Web.
49
1(1)

An Analysis of Foreign Involvement Within The Syria Conflict

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

An Analysis of Foreign Involvement Within The Syria Conflict

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

An Analysis of Foreign Involvement Within The Syria Conflict

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Bachelor thesis

Author: Emelie Pettersson

This study offers an alternative analysis of the current literature regarding

Key words International Relations, International politics, IR Realism, IR

The Arabic Spring in 2011 consisted of spontaneous public riots who

1.1. Aim, problem statement and limitations.

This paper aims to explain on what grounds international superpowers have

The thesis begins with an introductory chapter, which presents a brief

1.3. Previous research

1.3.1. Global powers and foreign interventions

According to Christopher J. Coyne, professor at George Mason university, a

1.3.2. Foreign intervention in Syria

2.1. Case study and qualitative research

2.1.1. Strength and limitations

2.2. Research design and sample selection

2.3. Collecting data and level of analysis

2.4. Validity, reliability and ethics

2.5. Material and source discussion

The main attention of international liberalism is society, interdependence and

International organizations are important factors within the liberalist theory.

It is important to shift our attention from constitutional law to international

Mutual dependence and cooperation help to stimulate further cooperative

Security Interest Power rivalry Resources

States exist in an States foreign The international As the resources of

Hussein Almohamad, “Oil in Syria between Terrorism and Dictatorship” (12111)

The Russian approach to issues of humanitarian intervention and the

CHARLOTTE WESTBROOK, “LEGALITY AND MORALITY IN

DEREK AVERRE, LANCE DAVIES, Russia, humanitarian intervention and

Forsythe, David P. "US Foreign Policy and Human Rights: Situating

Hussein Almohamad, “Oil in Syria between Terrorism and Dictatorship” Soc.

Mearsheimer, J. J. (2009). Reckless States and Realism. International

Mearsheimer, John J. "The False Promise of International

Nationalencyklopedin, internationell politik.

Nye, Joseph S. Power in the Global Information Age from Realism to

Pearson, Frederic S. “Foreign Military Interventions and Domestic

Quamar, M. M. (2018). Trump and West Asia: Policy Departures and

Secretary of State John Kerry Speech on Syria

S. NEIL MACFARLANE, The ‘R’ in BRICs: is Russia an emerging

SOHR, “Russia plans long-term Mideast presence via Syria” 27/08/2017,

Svenska Dagbladet, ”FN: Asylsystemet måste ändras”, 2015-01-21,

The Russian Government, “Dmitry Medvedev congratulates Syrian Prime

UNHCR, ”Kriget i Syrien” 2019, https://sverigeforunhcr.se/syrien

Walt, Stephen M. "Alliance Formation and the Balance of World

Waltz, Kenneth. "Structural Realism after the Cold War." International

Young, William, et al. Spillover from the Conflict in Syria : An Assessment of

Yassin-Kassab, Robin, and Leila Al-Shami. Burning Country : Syrians in

Zughni, Farrah. "Lawmakers Focus on Syrian Weapons." Arms Control

You might also like