Hay'at Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) from an Insurgent Group to a Local Authority: Emergence, Development and Social Support Base

Abstract

In 2011, the Middle East entered an era of turmoil. Syria has been the scene for evolution of many NSAGs. This study aims to analyze the factors helped one of the prominent violent organizations, HTS, to become one of the main NSAGs outside the Regime control areas, by applying qualitative methodology using two data sources: primarily, semi-structured field interviews, secondarily, related sources of newspapers/research centers' publications. Findings show that the decisive military factor and ability to build an interest-based relationship with local elites, impose order and security, and provide public services were critical in imposing hegemony and establishing governance.