Nationalistic Trends in Modern Syria

Abstract

This article explores dynamics behind the emergence of different nationalistic currents that dominated the modern Syrian political scene. By “modern”, here, it is meant the period between 1846, when the term “Syria” was, for the first time, officially associated with a specific territory, and 2000 when Syria’s “fierce”, not strong, ruler Hafez al-Asad died. As such, the article covers multiple periods as one continuous period. Arab Nationalism, which defeated other currents like Pan Syrianism and Communism, comes on the top of these currents. The article also shows how partisan, clan and/or family interests led to the utilization of various nationalist thoughts in this regard.

Keywords

• Syria
• Pan-Syrianism
• Arab Nationalism