Syria: A History of the Last Hundred Years

This book traces Syria's history from World War I to the present day, providing context for the country's descent into civil war. McHugo examines Syria's failed independence movements, French colonial policies that created internal divisions, and the fragile foundations of the nation-state. The narrative covers religious and sectarian tensions, the impact of the Cold War and the Arab-Israeli conflict, and the rule of two generations of Assads. McHugo analyzes how the current regime was created and how it unraveled, while also exploring connections to broader Middle East conflicts. The book is written for readers in the United States with limited familiarity with Syria, offering historical perspective and layered analysis of a complex country during a period of regional crisis.