Classical liberals in Syria face suppression, but international support and policy shifts can empower them to spread individualistic ideas, challenging the hegemony of collectivism and fostering long-term positive change in the region.
It may sound strange, but classical liberals do exist in Syria. They are suppressed, but we can do something about it! The Middle East, a yellow-filtered region in Hollywood movies, is truly a chaotic place on the international stage, always portrayed as dangerous and even devoid of hope by media outlets. Well, this is not completely true.
The conflict has surpassed its eleventh year in Syria, causing disastrous economic outcomes such as inflation exceeding a rate of 1000% since 2011, jumping from 50 SYP for 1 USD to 14000 SYP for 1 USD. Despite the conflict and economic hardship, classical liberals remain resilient in the advocacy of their philosophy, offering freedom-based systemic solutions to achieve peace and prosperity. In a region with a very complex demographic structure nurtured by the hegemony of collectivism, classical liberals acknowledge that development cannot be reached without an education that illustrates the boons of individualism as the main driver of liberty.
However, navigating the region as a classical liberal is like walking in a field of mines: your foes are plentiful and your friends are few. Despite the numerous belligerents in Syria, they all join forces in suppressing classical liberals because they understand that collectivism is their means of power, rendering individualism and its exponents enemies by definition.
Further, if you visit a random library or bookstore in Syria, you will see the tragedy. The Communist Manifesto, Mein Kampf, and many more horrific books are offered, all emphasizing collectivism in different flavors. On the other hand, titles like The Road to Serfdom, Capitalism and Freedom, and Common Sense are among titles you will nearly never find. Even upon request, the employees will tell you they haven’t heard of them. This gatekeeping is a major barrier to spreading the ideas of liberty.
The way may seem gloomy and unpleasant, but a potential remedy does exist. If we contemplate the status quo as our starting point, a set of possible solutions unveils itself. First, the international community must end its policy of turning a blind eye to the struggles of pro-liberty individuals f or t he sake of maintaining good relations with certain political factions. When choosing allies, countries ought to consider their values and long-term goals rather than short-term gains. If the military power of our allies becomes the sole factor in choosing them, then we sleepwalk into a moral dilemma. The West should stick to the principles through which it became a destination for immigrants t o fl ee their oppressive motherlands—those who are filled with dreams and ambitions to change their home countries, penetrate the unjust structure, and spread liberty through peaceful tools.
Western governments should acquaint themselves with the descendants of those migrants; most of them are sincere in their endeavor. The classical liberals among them comprehend the necessity of their new homelands to support them in their activism. They seek better relations, built upon mutual understanding and natural rights. Keeping those individuals out of the picture is a waste of human capital. By fostering these relationships, they empower future leaders who can return to their home countries and effect positive change.
Restructuring incentives is the key here. Given that classical liberals exist, and they are a priori motivated to spread ideas of liberty, we need to shift our focus from morally-compromising, temporary gain to principled, long-run change abroad. Foreigners are already taking the risky initiative of translating books and disseminating knowledge—their work will have more impact when they are protected on the premise of individual rights. Changing the way they are perceived on the international stage is crucial; instead of considering them as an insignificant residual, we need to demonstrate our support for them and take the threats they are facing seriously. Words of condemnation may be a good starting point, but even better when supplemented by actions. When they are jailed, tortured, and in many instances murdered for the use of words, they show resolve. Don’t let that resolve diminish—preserve it. Pressure politicians to forfeit short-run gains for long-run growth and human flourishing.
Classical liberals in the Middle East are on the frontlines in the battle for liberty; they live day-to-day in fear that some of their ideas should escape their minds in public and spell their end. P rotecting them on the premise of Individualism is necessary. They are long-term allies who can become future leaders and spread liberty.
Their flame remains bright. Don’t let it dim, and don’t let collectivists snuff it out.
