The historical development of decentralisation in Syria

This article presents a comparative historical analysis of the development of decentralization in Syria during three historical stages: under the Ottoman empire, during the French mandate, and in the period after the country became independent. The purpose of this research is to reveal patterns that explain the current state of decentralization in Syria today. Primary sources such as legislative decrees and constitutions, as well as secondary scientific and analytical sources are used in this work to analyse the development of decentralization in Syria. This article identifies different aspects, in which the local administration system today has been influenced by previous laws and practices developed by previous governments, namely the country’s administrative-territorial division, the concentration of power at the local level with centrally appointed persons, and the perception of decentralization as a threat to security. Despite many constitutions and legislations throughout Syria’s history mentioning decentralization and empowering local administrative units, governance remains a highly centralized process, giving elected local administrative units limited powers and responsibilities. The securitization of administrative processes as well as prioritizing economic, political, military, and other elite interests throughout Syria’s history have been obstacles to decentralising powers and responsibilities to local administration bodies. However, due to the development of events on the ground in Syria since the beginning of the crisis in 2011, different views on the best form of decentralization for the country’s future, and the role it can play at this important stage of the country's history began to appear in the Syrian society.