Diversionary Rhetoric in Authoritarian Media: Syria's Shift from Israel to Conspiracies

This article examines Syrian state-controlled media discourse (1987-2018) as a tool for domestic political positioning.

### Data & Methods

Content analysis of major Syrian daily newspapers reveals shifts in narrative focus over three decades. The study tracks the use of diversionary threats before and after significant geopolitical events.

### Key Findings

• Prior to 2011, Syria's media predominantly framed Israel as a security threat

• During peace talks with Israel, this framing decreased significantly (approx. 45% reduction)

• After the Arab Spring began in 2011, narratives shifted toward foreign conspiracies against the Syrian state

### Why It Matters

The analysis demonstrates how authoritarian regimes strategically deploy rhetoric to manage domestic perceptions during political shocks and changing international contexts.