Role of Regional Powers in the Syrian Crisis (2011-2014)

With the outbreak of the political crisis in Syria, regional actors have sought to secure their national interest according to realist teachings, given their constraints and abilities. In this regard, the main question of the article is what role the regional powers play in the Syrian developments. The research hypothesis indicates that competition, clash of interests and conflicting viewpoints of the regional powers have led to the complication, exacerbation and prolongation of the crisis in Syria. Drawing upon the regional balance of power approach, the research findings demonstrate that conflict of interests among regional actors influential in the Syrian crisis has created a zero-sum game. This outlook would bar any compromise and political solution for departing from the crisis, adding fuel to the flames of the ongoing conflict.