Building peace in Syria: pathways to inclusive democratic governance

Abstract Since the collapse of the Assad regime in late 2024, governments and international organizations have pointed to the adoption of inclusive democratic institutions as a precondition for lifting sanctions and recognizing the new Syrian administration. Yet external mediators involved in the transition are unclear on how to translate the principle of inclusive governance into practice. The intensifying conflict among Druze and Bedouin factions in Suwayda, as well as violence against Christian and Alawite communities, adds to the urgency of seeking durable solutions. Aiming to go beyond the general principle of democratic inclusion, this article highlights a set of potential arrangements that could be negotiable across the political spectrum. Broad inclusivity could be served through multiple options, such as classic corporate power-sharing, focusing on ethnic and religious quotas, or liberal alternatives that seek to promote national unity through the inclusion of all elected political parties in government. The latter arrangement could be the most negotiable: it will secure a majority position for the formerly disadvantaged Sunni community while broadening participation to include smaller but politically significant communities. Against the backdrop of threats to its territorial integrity, this option could enhance Syria's international standing and foster legitimacy in its constitutional process.