Syria—The Use of Violent Non State Actors as a Tool of Regional Policy

Abstract

This chapter considers the role and significance of Violent Non-State Actors (VNSA) in the context of the Syrian conflict. Specifically, it examines how regional states, particularly from the Arab Gulf and Iran, have sought to use VNSA in Syria as proxies and tools of their national strategies. It also explores the extent to which Syria has tested the limits of non-state, as opposed to state, action both in the context of the international system and regional rivalries. The chapter highlights the ways in which the Syrian conflict has involved regional as well as international powers in a series of wider struggles, particularly those involving Iran and the Arab Gulf states. The importance of VNSA in Syria is seen by some strategic analysts as evidence of an emerging distinction between nation states that in effect subcontract the application of power to non-state groups and those that project power through more traditional military and economic means. The chapter concludes by suggesting that Syria has highlighted both the potential benefits that nations can derive from the utilization of VNSA, rather than direct engagement, and the disadvantages in terms of loss of control, damage to international reputation and uncertain public support. For the Arab Gulf states and Iran in particular, it is argued that Syria has delivered very different lessons concerning the utility and support for VNSA.