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.