In a groundbreaking first between the new Syria’s think tank community and foreign counterparts, Khayrion and the PCMR of Prague’s CEVRO University conducted a roundtable with our host, the Omran Center for Strategic Studies. “Syria in Transition: Regional Dynamics and V4 Engagement” reviewed the ongoing process of moving the country from a one-party dictatorship and command economy to a market -based, vibrant country grounded in respect for pluralism and human rights. The conversation unfolded around four key areas: state consolidation, changing regional order, economic recovery, and rebuilding external relations. The Syrian hosts spoke at length about the challenges and opportunities raised by a transition that was in the offing after decades of repression and violent conflict but still caught the world by surprise. Their reflections underscored the complexity of navigating change while addressing the country’s urgent need for peace, security, dignity, and human rights.
Speakers from Omran, the Syrian Forum, the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Information, and civil society talked about a drawn-out process fusing institution building, transitional justice, economic recovery, and reconnecting with the outside world against the backdrop of a difficult heritage and great societal expectations.
Khayrion and the PCMR highlighted the importance of discussing shared experiences with the V4 of Central Europe, which has also navigated an uneasy transition trajectory from dictatorship to democracy nearly four decades ago, offering useful lessons. How the experience of the V4 can be relevant to Syria’s transition will be further discussed in upcoming workshops. The takeaways for Khayrion were manifold but reassuringly reflect the new Syria’s dedication to transitional justice, respect for diversity and human rights. Actions speak loudest, but the wish of the Syrian people to live in peace, security, and dignity must be heard by all and should override any scheming by spoilers in and outside Syria.
Image: Jacek Małecki
