Contemporary Syria: Liberalization Between Cold War and Peace

While Ba'thi Syria is often considered the last bastion of Arab socialism, Asad's regime has introduced sweeping economic change over the last decade. Gradual and discreet in the mid-1980's, economic reform quickly gained momentum. The easing of political repression and Syria's participation in the Arab-Israeli peace process have also been highly significant. Through analyzing the complex relationship between processes of economic and political liberalization in the domestic arena - and their repercussions internationally - the contributors to the book develop possible scenarios of the future development of Syria and its role in the Middle East.