Title: Social well-being and livelihood challenges in conflict economies: a study of Syrian citizens' perception of geopolitical fragility

Authors: Faisal Ahmed; Moaz Nagib Gharib; Omar Durrah; Vinaytosh Mishra

Addresses: International Business Area, FORE School of Management, B-18, Qutab Institutional Area, New Delhi, 110016, India ' College of Commerce and Business Administration, Dhofar University, P.O. Box: 2509, Postal Code: 211, Salalah, Sultanate of Oman ' College of Commerce and Business Administration, Dhofar University, P.O. Box: 2509, Postal Code: 211, Salalah, Sultanate of Oman ' Quantitative Techniques and Operations Management Area, FORE School of Management, B-18, Qutab Institutional Area, New Delhi, 110016, India

Abstract: We study the citizens' perception of geopolitical fragility and livelihood-related vulnerabilities in context of conflict economies. The case in point is of Syria, which continues to face several rudimentary socio-economic challenges owing to the ongoing conflict. We analyse 280 responses from Syrian citizens and employ statistical techniques to derive relevant findings. The findings of this study reveals that the citizen's perception of fragility in Syria differs on the basis of gender and age group. Also, the most impactful factors as perceived by the Syrian citizens include the following: mistrust in society (psycho-social factor), fear of losing the opportunity to study (social security factor), food security and crisis (livelihood factor), damaging of transport sector owing to geopolitical situation (governance factor), and, losing hope in good governance (socio-economic factor). This study can provide useful inputs for developmental interventions by policy makers and intergovernmental organisations.

Keywords: conflict economies; Syria; citizen's perception; fragility; livelihood; geopolitics; transition economies; Arab economies; West Asia; developmental interventions.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHD.2020.111209

International Journal of Happiness and Development, 2020 Vol.6 No.2, pp.143 - 161

Received: 24 Aug 2019
Accepted: 09 Jun 2020
Published online: 13 Nov 2020 *

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