SYRIA AFTER BASHAR AL-ASSAD: THE END OF A REGIME AND A FUTURE OF UNCERTAINTY

Abstract

Among the countries affected by the Arab Spring (2010-2012), Syria stood out as the most devastated in human and territorial terms. From the start of protests in the country, the movements against Bashar al-Assad's government resulted in a bloody civil war, which generated an unprecedented refugee crisis. In December 2024, after 13 years of conflict, the Syrian regime was finally deposed, which may be considered a milestone that reconfigures the regional power balance, opening a series of questions about the effects of this fact on the Middle East and the realignments it will cause. This text aims to explore these questions and point out the possible consequences for Syria, its surroundings, and also for global geopolitics. Using relevant authors on the subject, we rely on information collected from media and research institutes to support our analysis. As conclusions, we point out that the fall of Bashar al-Assad, seen as a Western victory, may result in a fragmented Syria, the acceleration of aggressive postures by Iran, and a closer alignment of this country with Eastern powers.