What IR theory best explains China’s reconstruction of Syria?
LSE BLOG
Over the past year the Syrian government has scored a number of military successes, including in the east and south of the country. By early July it had taken back control of Deraa, which had deep symbolic since it was there that the Syrian uprising began in 2011.
With the momentum on President Bashir al-Assad’s side, the media and policy makers are now beginning to talk about whether or not the war in Syria is coming to an end and what comes after. Among the discussions is the question of reconstruction.
The challenge will be immense. Assad has suggested that the cost of rebuilding his country could be $195bn. The World Bank has estimated $250bn. The West is unlikely to provide much of this, given their antipathy towards Assad. At a conference in Tunis last year they discussed whether it might be possible to channel funds to civil society directly and cut the government out of the loop.
