Understanding the background of the Syrian refugee crisis

Abstract

Although considerable focus has been given to the Syrian refugee crisis, it has hardly been examined in relation to its political origins. Rather, it is often treated as an isolated humanitarian event or one that was simply caused by ‘civil war.’ While true, such a broad and simplistic explanation says little about –and sometimes ignores - the underlying politics that did not only create the crisis but also shaped its development. Therefore, this article comes as an attempt to trace the political roots of the Syrian conflict, explain its dynamics, identify its main actors, and finally illustrate how it drove millions out of their homes