The political economy of Syria under Asad

Part 1 Introduction: historical developments and literature on contemporary Syria research interests and basic assumptions sources and data plan of study. Part 2 The emergence and transformation of a statist economy: macro-economic variables and imbalances development approaches and public-sector economy state and private economy - patterns and phases of liberalization conclusion - prospects and limits of economic change. Part 3 Social structure and class relations: rural relations urban society conclusion - social structures and political alliances. Part 4 The structure of authoritarianism: institution-building and political development - an overview the institutional framework representation and control - front parties, the legislative and popular organizations conclusion - patrimonialism, authoritarianism rule and the strong state. Part 5 Economic policies and political decision-making: the absence of external interference the institutional and procedural framework the style of economic-policy formation conclusion - economic reform and patterns of incorporation. Part 6 Conclusion - authoritarian adjustment and the prospects of political development: adjustment and control economic liberalization and political change domestic control and regional role Asad - and after?.