Seeking Ahmed al-Sharaa's Efforts to Navigate Russian-Syrian Relations Through Islamic Perspective Analysis

Abstract

This study analyzes Syria's diplomatic navigation strategy after the collapse of the Bashar al-Assad regime in December 2024 through the perspective of Islamic political ethics, specifically the concept of Ar-Rasikhun, with a focus on the foreign policy maneuvers of the transitional government under the leadership of Ahmed al-Sharaa in establishing pragmatic relations with Russia. This research uses a qualitative approach with literature study methods and normative analysis sourced from academic journals, policy documents, reports of international institutions, and official statements of the Syrian transitional government. The analysis was carried out using three main indicators of the concept of Ar-Rasikhun, namely the depth of wisdom in diplomacy, universal justice (al-'adl), and strategic tolerance (tasamuh). The results show that Ahmed al-Sharaa's leadership represents the implementation of Ar-Rasikhun's values through a policy of pragmatic diplomacy towards Russia, the building of domestic legitimacy based on inclusivity, and multi-directional diplomacy with regional and global actors to maintain national stability and accelerate the reconstruction of the country. These findings confirm that Islamic political ethics can function not only as a normative framework, but also as a practical instrument in national reconciliation and conflict transformation. This study concludes that the concept of Ar-Rasikhun is relevant as an alternative perspective in contemporary international relations studies to explain the transformation of conflict towards sustainable peace in post-conflict Syria.