A Qualitative Model of the Besieged City: The Case of Aleppo (Syria)

Abstract

Drawing on a review of Russian and foreign sources, the media and his own experience in this research area, the author has organized his argument into the following theses. First, under the impact of the Third scientific and technological revolution (the STR) all conflictual situations in the world acquire complex (i.e. hybrid) character. Second, This STR created various network systems (informational, resource, humanitarian) as the all-embracing and all-penetrating means for an impact on any social actor including possible adversary. Third, the hybrid war is a form of a total risk to which human communities of any scale are subjected. Fourth, under these conditions any territorial demarcations (a nucleus-periphery, front-rear, safe-unsafe place) are becoming of relative character. Fifth, the space of social interactions has divided in a material and virtual ones. Accordingly, sixth, such basic theoretical instruments as a safety, communication, living environment, resources, accessibility, metabolic processes, and mobility acquire a new social meaning. Seventh, Therefore, recent cities are the major centers of the abovementioned forces and contradictions. On the basis of a set of empirical data some key theoretical issues of a specificity of modern urban war (guerilla), a disposition of forces involved (the combatants and peaceful inhabitants) as well as a role of distant actors, humanitarian pauses and international NGOs are analyzed. On the dada related to the Aleppo city (Syria) and to some others the author suggests and substantiates (in the first approximation) a qualitative model of a besieged city.

Keywords

• aleppo
• hybrid urban war
• metabolism
• model
• networks
• rehabilitation
• scientific and technological revolution
• infrastructures
• total risk