Syria: A Recent History

Syria’s descent into civil war has already claimed an estimated 200,000 lives while more than nine million people have fled their homes. This is now the greatest humanitarian and political crisis of the twenty-first century. In this timely account, John McHugo charts the history of Syria from the First World War to the present and considers why Syria’s foundations as a nation have proved so fragile. He examines the country’s thwarted attempts at independence under French rule before turning to more recent events: sectarian tensions, the pressures of international conflicts, two generations of rule by the Assads and the rise of ISIS. As the conflict in Syria rages on, McHugo provides a rare and authoritative guide to a complex nation that demands our attention. ‘[Provides] a real insight into the political fragility that underpins much of what caused the current civil war … An enlightening read, insightful and timely’ Sunday Herald ‘Enlightening’ Robert Fisk, Independent ‘Tells us with inspirational force how the Syrians have found the ability to speak out’ TLS ‘[A] very timely modern history of Syria ... McHugo provides the reader with a high level of sound analysis. The book is written both with academic scrutiny and with the empathy of an individual who cares greatly for his area of study.’ Journal of Peace Research ‘McHugo uncovers uncanny parallels between the pacification strategies of the French in the 1920s and the Bashar al-Assad regime today, exposing the continuous role of violence in the region’s (flawed) state formation.’ Raymond Hinnebusch, Centre for Syrian Studies, University of St Andrews ‘A fluent introduction to Syria’s recent past, this book provides the backstory to the country’s collapse into brutal civil conflict’ Andrew Arsan, St John’s College, University of Cambridge ‘A fascinating and timely study, admirably written with original vision … a pleasure to read for both experts and a wider audience’ Nikolaos van Dam, author of The Struggle for Power in Syria ‘A must-read for those who seek an informed opinion about Syria’s civil war, far removed from propaganda and bias’ Jordan Times