Syria

Overview

The collapse of the Assad regime in December 2024 marked a historic turning point for Syria, ending more than five decades of despotic rule and rejuvenating the aspirations of millions of Syrians to build a state that upholds the rights and dignity of all Syrians and responds to their needs. Recognizing a generational opportunity, NDI actively supports a wide array of Syrian democratic actors – within both civil society and the nascent interim administration – to ensure the post-conflict transition evolves into a stable, representative, and freer Syria. Efforts are anchored in NDI’s longstanding engagement in Syria, having worked with the Syrian democratic movement since 2005 to equip activists with the skills and tools needed to advocate for and pursue democratic reforms. Following the 2011 uprising, the Institute worked with Syrian opposition leaders and civil society groups to coalesce, exchange ideas, and formulate an inclusive political vision for a future beyond Assad’s authoritarian regime, ultimately contributing to the founding of the Syrian National Council (SNC) in 2012, the first unified body to provide a cohesive alternative to the regime at the time. Today, NDI continues to support its extensive network of partner civil society organizations and community-based groups to create safe spaces for citizens to foster inter- and cross-community dialogues, coalesce around urgent priorities, and inform local and national processes to ensure that the new Syria is rooted in inclusive and responsive governance.