This reflects shifting regional dynamics, as countries such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt seek stability in Syria after more than a decade of war. Assad has managed to remain in power despite widespread predictions of his downfall during the early years of the conflict. His survival is often attributed to his reliance on loyal security forces, international allies, and a strategy of portraying his rule as a bulwark against extremism. At the same time, Syria remains fragmented, economically devastated, and socially fractured, with millions displaced internally or as refugees abroad.
His long-term legacy will likely be defined by the Syrian Civil War, the humanitarian crisis it caused, and his ability to maintain authority through one of the most destructive conflicts of the 21st century. Bashar al-Assad’s leadership is often described as a blend of authoritarian continuity and calculated pragmatism. Over time, he developed a leadership style rooted in consolidating power through loyalty networks, particularly among the ruling Alawite minority, to which his family belongs.
