Analysis: dimensions of institutional legitimacy in post-assad Syria

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The fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime opened the possibility of a different relationship between Syrians and the state. For many Syrians, hope for change remains mixed with fear of renewed authoritarianism and state capture. Support for the current authorities does not automatically mean trusting state institutions or recognizing their legitimacy, as people may cooperate out of necessity and self-interest. At the same time, criticism of government performance does not necessarily mean rejecting the authorities or denying the legitimacy of their institutions. This suggests that institutional leg…