Saturday 20 October, 1.30pm until 2.45pm, Hammerson Room
The ongoing crisis in Syria shows no signs of abating after nearly 18 months of fighting. We appear to have reached an impasse, and a long and protracted civil war seems likely. The precise origins of the conflict remains unclear, however, and there is also uncertainty about the role of the international community and the UN, as well as the regional dynamics. Can we still consider this to be a battle between the civilian Syrian population and a despotic regime, in light of the fact that armed foreign fighters are now involved? Who is fighting and what are they fighting for: was it ever simply a battle for freedom and democracy? What effect have the actions or inaction of the international community had ? Is it time to intervene militarily, and if so, to what end? And what are the likely consequences?
 | Dr Tara McCormack lecturer in international politics, University of Leicester; author, Critique, Security and Power: the political limits to emancipatory approaches |
 | Karl Sharro architect; writer; Middle East commentator; co-author, Manifesto: Towards a New Humanism in Architecture |
| Chair: | |
|
Anwar Oduro-Kwarteng
promotions manager, Academy of Ideas; writer on politics and ideology |
Civil disobedience or violent criminality?
"The Battle of Ideas does what it says on the tin, providing a rare platform for a robust exchange of views on some of the biggest issues facing our world at a time when it is desperately needed"
Wes Streeting, chief executive, Helena Kennedy Foundation
follow the Academy of Ideas
