Watch the segments from 2:09:45 to 2:12:15 | from 2:16:35 to 2:23:35 and from 2:45:55 to 2:48:40 for key insights from Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Bağcı.
Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Bağcı Analyzes Geopolitical Dynamics and Strategic Considerations in Syria’s Post-Assad Transition
On December 11, 2024, Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Bağcı, co-founder of the Ankara Global Advisory Group, joined TV100’s Başak Şengül ile Doğru Yorum to provide a nuanced analysis of Syria’s political transition period and its potential future within the regional and global context. Addressing critical geopolitical, historical, and humanitarian issues, Prof. Bağcı offered strategic insights into the challenges and opportunities facing Syria and the broader Middle East. Below are the key highlights of his remarks.
Key Points from Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Bağcı's Insights:
The Enduring Legacy of Authoritarian Regimes in Syria: Prof. Bağcı highlighted the Assad regime's continuity of systemic oppression, tracing it back to Hafiz al-Assad's rule. He pointed to atrocities such as the Hama massacre and violence in Lebanon as examples of the authoritarian playbook. Bağcı noted that similar practices persist in regimes worldwide, including North Korea and Iran, underscoring the global challenge of addressing the nexus of power and oppression in authoritarian states.
Global Institutions and the Erosion of Human Values: Bağcı critiqued the global community’s inability to uphold human rights, citing the ineffectiveness of institutions like the United Nations in mitigating the Syrian crisis. He argued that the fragmentation of international law reflects a broader failure of global governance, calling for a reinvention of international systems to address pressing humanitarian issues and ensure justice.
Russia’s Strategic Calculus in Syria: The professor delved into Russia’s deep-seated involvement in Syria, viewing it as a linchpin of Moscow’s Middle Eastern strategy. Bağcı connected current Russian policies to Cold War-era practices, asserting that Syria serves as a vital pivot for Russia’s geopolitical ambitions. He emphasized that Russia’s continued influence in the region is unlikely to wane, given its historical and strategic stakes.
The Geopolitical Imperative for Turkiye: Turkiye’s position in the Syrian conflict was another focal point of Prof. Bağcı’s remarks. He advocated for a balanced foreign policy that engages with all major powers, including Russia and the United States, to safeguard national security. He suggested that Turkiye should focus not only on countering the YPG but also on fostering a comprehensive approach to stabilize the region and protect its strategic interests.
Historical Lessons and the Need for New Leadership: Bağcı drew parallels between the current geopolitical environment and lessons from history, emphasizing that authoritarian regimes often employ contingency plans, such as escape routes or hidden funds, to perpetuate power. He stressed the importance of educating future generations on the consequences of political oppression and fostering leaders who prioritize human rights and international morality over power politics.
Navigating Global Challenges: Addressing Oppression, Leadership, and Governance
Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Bağcı’s comprehensive analysis on Syria’s political transition sheds light on the broader challenges facing the Middle East and the global community. He underscored the urgency of addressing systemic oppression and the failures of international institutions, while emphasizing the need for ethical leadership to guide future policymaking. By drawing connections between historical patterns, regional dynamics, and the actions of global powers like Russia and Turkiye, Bağcı highlighted pathways to foster stability, safeguard human values, and reshape the fractured structures of global governance. His insights serve as a call to action for policymakers and stakeholders to prioritize justice, cooperation, and accountability in addressing the complexities of the Syrian crisis and beyond.
Ankara Global Advisory Group is proud to continue offering thought leadership on key international issues, ensuring that global decision-makers are equipped with the knowledge they need to navigate complex security dynamics.
For a more detailed analysis from Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Bağcı and the latest developments in international relations, continue following updates from Ankara Global Advisory Group.