Interdisciplinary LensesGeographic Inquiry

The Need for the Full Picture

When we examine issues in isolation, we risk not getting the “full picture”

We must analyze issues from an interdisciplinary perspective in order to fully comprehend the issue, which is necessary for developing sustainable solutions

Geography’s Interdisciplinary Lenses* Social* Political* Economic* Environmental* Cultural

Crisis in SyriaQuick overview behind the turmoil in Syria

Overview Syria is located in the Middle East

Diverse physical geography (plains, highlands, deserts)

Culturally diverse population of 20.8 million

Sunni Muslim majority (74%), Shia Muslim minority

Been under authoritarian rule of the Assad regime since 1970 – Baa’th Party

Bashir al-Assad is a member of the minority Alawite Shia sect

Political dissent is met with imprisonment, torture, disappearances etc.

Government corruption is rampant, horrendous human rights record, economic and political policies favour the elite minority

Allies include Russia and Iran

Current ConflictWHAT? Civil conflict between al-Assad supporters (Syrian Armed Forces) and the Free Syrian Army, rebel factions

WHEN? March 2011, extension of the Arab Spring

WHERE? Started in Deraa, now entire country embroiled

WHY?

Years of repressive rule, social and economic hardship

Desire for democracy, pro-democracy movement in the region

Controversy over how the country should be governed

Factions within the anti-Assad fighters

Conflict Map

Mapping the conflict is extremely challenging!

Group Challenge Access the Google doc that was shared with

you entitled “Interdisciplinary Lenses. ”

Use the lens you have been assigned to identify the causes and implications of the Syrian crisis