The Syrian Crisis and International Economic Sanctions: An Analytical Study for the Period (2020-2024)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31272/ipj.i65.534Keywords:
Syria, Caesar Act, economic crisis, international sanctions, poverty, food securityAbstract
Between 2020 and 2024, Syria witnessed a critical phase of its crisis, during which the repercussions of international sanctions worsened, especially after the implementation of the US Caesar Act, which targeted the Syrian regime and its supporters and extended to entities in Russia and Iran. These sanctions led to severe economic isolation, the collapse of the Syrian pound, rising prices, and widespread poverty and unemployment. They also severely impacted vital sectors such as health, energy, and industry, further complicating the humanitarian crisis. Especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the decline in relief aid. Although the sanctions were intended to pressure for a political solution, their direct impact has also affected the Syrian people, opening the door to in-depth analysis of their effectiveness and outcomes at both the domestic and international levels.
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