The Ba'th and the Creation of Modern Syria (RLE Syria)

This book traces the development of modern Syria focusing on the contribution of the Bäth party and Bäthist ideology. It examines the roots of the Bäth in the intellectual ferment of the 1940s and charts its growing influence on Syrian politics. Special attention is devoted to the crucial Sixth Congress of the Bäth Party in 1963 and the key ideological document, the Muntalaqat, produced by Michel Aflaq. After 1963 the military became increasingly dominant until Hafiz al-Asad came to power in 1970. Since then the Party has been less dominant internally but Syria itself has established a pivotal position in regional affairs. The book concludes by reviewing the prospects for Syria after Asad and the potential for a Bäthist revival.