State institutions and regime networks as service providers in Syria

Abstract

The significant level of physical and economic destruction in Syria has impacted the capacity of the state and its institutions to deliver services, which is much lower than prior to 2011. The Syrian government currently lacks the ability to meet the socio-economic needs of large sectors of the population and to provide adequate social services. The void has been partially filled by international humanitarian assistance and/or networks connected to the Damascus government. On the basis of interviews and reports on the socio-economic situation in Syria, this article addresses the general weakening of state services during the war and the lack of service provision in areas which have been recaptured by the Syrian government.