The new RIC report, ‘Beyond the frontlines – The building of the democratic system in North and East Syria,’ describes the system of political organization in North and East Syria.

We spoke to over 50 political actors in North and East Syria, from the lowest level (commune) up to the heads of the Administration

The interviews and case studies within the report give the clearest picture yet of the stated aims of the political project in North and East Syria

The key aim of this report is to explore the unique and poorly-understood system in the words of its practitioners

We also sketch out some of the key criticisms leveled at the administration and ways in which it falls short of its declared aims

The full report is accompanied by an executive summary which summarizes the key sections of the report

Original diagrams, maps and graphics supplement the case studies, quotations and descriptions of the confederal framework

The political system of North and East Syria, though widely misunderstood, has captured the attention of the world through its championship of women’s rights and democracy in the wake of the ISIS caliphate.

The report is set to be the definitive work describing the political system in the words of those who are building it. ‘Beyond the frontlines’ explains the roles and responsibilities of the key institutions of governance, and locates them within their historical, cultural and ideological frameworks.

A collection of key documents and declarations from the chief political bodies of the democratic confederalist system of North and East Syria can be found here. Documentaries, books and reports for further research can be accessed on the Useful Resources page of our website.

Download the original report

Download the executive summary