China’s extensive engagement in the Middle East, including its potential involvement in reconstruction efforts in Syria, either on its own or in cooperation with Gulf Arab partners, marks a shift in global power dynamics. A growing Chinese presence may deepen the fractures between the West and emerging powers.

A Long and Uncertain Journey Ahead

While the fall of Assad represents an epochal turning point for Syrians, the future remains precarious. At the local level, challenges in governance and reconstruction are compounded by entrenched authoritarian tendencies. Regionally, the shift in power dynamics could lead to further instability as neighboring countries position themselves for influence. Internationally, the competing interests of global powers, particularly Russia and the United States, will play a significant role in shaping Syria’s future trajectory. As Syrians emerge from the “prison” of the Assad regime, their future remains uncertain, shaped by a complex web of domestic, regional, and international forces.

In the end, Seale’s depiction of Syria as a nation locked in perpetual struggle—torn by internal divisions, regional rivalries, and external interference—remains strikingly relevant. The fall of Assad marks a pivotal moment, but it is far from a definitive victory. As Syria transitions into a new era, the questions Seale posed about the prospects for unity, stability, and sovereignty remain deeply pertinent. 

Dr. John Calabrese teaches international relations at American University in Washington, DC. He is the book review editor of  The Middle East Journal and previously served as director of MEI’s Middle East-Asia Project (MAP) and as general series editor of  MEI Viewpoints. He is the author of  China’s Changing Relations with the Middle East and  Revolutionary Horizons: Regional Foreign Policy in Post-Khomeini Iran. Follow him on X:  @Dr_J_Calabrese.

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