U.S. and Russian Responses to the Syrian Civil War: A Comparative Analysis

Author

Grace DeWittFollow

College

Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences

Date of Last Revision

2025-05-09 09:09:25

Major

Political Science

Honors Course

POLIT 497

Number of Credits

2

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Date of Expected Graduation

Spring 2025

Abstract

The Syrian Civil War was among the most devastating conflicts in the 21st century and was defined by the involvement of various international actors, including the United States (U.S.) and Russia. The Syrian conflict was sparked by the Arab Spring movement. The Asad regime, which controlled the Syrian government at the time of the Arab Spring, reacted violently to the civilian protests and calls for reform. This led to the formation of organized rebel groups, creating a complex and violent civil war. The U.S. and Russia, as well as other international actors such as Turkey and Iran, became involved in the conflict, with Russia backing the Asad regime and the U.S. supporting the opposition to the regime. Both the U.S. and Russia provided lethal support in the form weapons, air support, and other military aid. The U.S. also provided nonlethal support in the form of economic sanctions and diplomatic means. This paper analyzes the U.S. and Russian responses through qualitative research and secondary sources depicting the war. Through applying the theory of realism, the motivations behind U.S. and Russian involvement in this foreign war can be analyzed. As of today, the Syrian Civil War has ended, and the Asad regime has collapsed. However, the war can be examined to understand the involvement of the U.S. and Russia in this international conflict. This analysis offers insights into potential future conflicts between these two global powers, carrying implications for the direction of U.S. foreign policy moving forward.

Research Sponsor

Dr. Ronald Gelleny

First Reader

Dr. Yang Lin

Second Reader

Dr. Phillip Marcin

Honors Faculty Advisor

Dr. Ronald Gelleny

Proprietary and/or Confidential Information

No

Recommended Citation

DeWitt, Grace, "U.S. and Russian Responses to the Syrian Civil War: A Comparative Analysis" (2025). Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects. 2036.
https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/honors_research_projects/2036