THE U.S AND RUSSIA STRATEGIC DYNAMICS AFFECT THE SYRIAN CIVIL WAR AND THE UNSC (2011-2019)

Abstract

Syrian civil war has an attraction for the U.S and Russia to pursue their national interests. The U.S and Russia influenced other actors involved in the Syrian conflict with the formation of two different alliances, "Pro and anti-Assad regime". The U.S dominates the Assad anti-regime alliance, while Russia dominates the pro-Assad regime alliance. The involvement of these interested actors caused security instability in Syria. The UNSC's role is needed, but the UNSC's role is often paralyzed by differences in the interests of the great powers, and the authority over the use of their veto in the UNSC. Then, this thesis focuses on the strategic dynamics of the U.S and Russia in the Syrian civil war in 2011-2019 by examining how U.S and Russian policies towards Syria and explore the influence of the U.S and Russia on the effectiveness of the UNSC's role in maintaining international peace and security, especially in Syria.