INFORMATION ABOUT THE DOCTORAL THESIS

1.Full name of doctoral candidate: Doan Thi Mai Lien 2. Gender: Female

3. Date of birth: October 17, 1990 4. Place of birth: Hai Phong

5. Decision to recognize doctoral students: Decision No.: 2949/2021/QD-XHNV-DT dated: December 28, 2021

6. Changes to the training process (if any):

- Duration: From December 28, 2025 to December 28, 2026, as per Decision No. 9469/QD-XHNV dated December 31, 2025.

7. Thesis Title: The Russia-US Competition in Syria from 2011 to the Present

8. Major: International Relations 9. Code: 931060101

10. Scientific supervisors: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Thi Lan Huong and Dr. Vu Van Anh

11. Summary of the new findings of the thesis:

11.1. Purpose and scope of the thesis

The main objective of this dissertation is to clarify the theoretical and practical basis of the competition between Russia and the United States in Syria from 2011 to the present, and on that basis assess the impact of this competition on Syria and the region, forecast the trends of the Russia-US competition in Syria up to 2030, and provide policy implications for Vietnam.

The subject of this study is the competition between Russia and the United States in Syria from 2011 to 2024, including strategic objectives, implementation methods, tools of influence, adjustments to foreign policy, and the impact of the Russia-US competition on the situation in Syria, the Middle East regional order, and contemporary international relations.

11.2. Research methods used

Group of specialized methods in international relations: Systems-structural method, Policy analysis method, Forecasting method…

Interdisciplinary methods in social sciences: Historical method, Logical method, Analytical-synthetic method, Comparative method…

11.3. Main results and conclusions

11.3.1. Main results

The dissertation "Russia-US Competition in Syria from 2011 to the Present" has achieved the following notable results:

Firstly, clarify the nature and dynamics of the Russia-US competition in Syria: The thesis points out that this competition is a typical example of modern great power competition, multifaceted and multi-layered across the political, diplomatic, military, and economic-energy spheres.

Secondly, the thesis has initially assessed the impact of competition:

Russia has successfully asserted its status as a great power, maintained its strategic base in the Mediterranean, and salvaged its allies. However, the collapse of the Assad regime by the end of 2024 would be a strategic failure, diminishing its prestige and putting Russia at risk of losing all the economic and military gains it has built.

The U.S. achieved its long-term goals of destroying the ISIS geographical entity and removing the Assad regime. Despite facing numerous challenges in managing the post-conflict process, the U.S. improved its deterrence posture toward Iran and consolidated its influence in the resource-rich Northeast.

Syria is deeply fragmented, its sovereignty is being eroded, and it faces a humanitarian catastrophe and a protracted economic crisis that presents numerous challenges for its reconstruction.

For the world and the region: It fuels the arms race, popularizes the proxy war model, and weakens the role of multilateral institutions such as the United Nations Security Council.

Thirdly, policy forecasts and implications: The thesis predicts that the Russia-US competition in Syria by 2030 will shift to a more "compromise and pragmatic" state, focusing on political influence and economic reconstruction rather than direct military confrontation. Therefore, the thesis emphasizes that Vietnam needs to persevere with its internal strength and maintain political stability amidst increasingly fierce great power competition.

Fourth, a new contribution: The dissertation systematizes the theoretical basis of great power competition in third countries and successfully develops a competition analysis framework based on "factors - objectives - methods - results". At the same time, the work provides a comprehensive and up-to-date view of competition from its outbreak (2011) to the historical turning point at the end of 2024, creating a valuable reference source for research and foreign policy planning.

11.3.2. Conclusion

This dissertation provides a systematic and comprehensive analysis of the Russia-US competition in Syria from 2011 to the present, based on the theory of realism. The study clarifies that Syria is a typical example of modern great power competition, where core geopolitical, military security, and energy resource control interests converge within a world order shifting from unipolar to multipolar.

The study systematized the strategic adjustments of the two superpowers, from indirect competition before 2011 to open and direct confrontation on the political, diplomatic, economic, and military axes. The research confirms that the Russia-US competition here is driven by the goal of asserting superpower status and shaping international rules, with Russia striving to break the US monopoly and the US seeking to maintain its own established order.

This thesis assesses the far-reaching impact of this competition. Russia restored its global superpower status but ended up with a strategic defeat as the Russian-backed Assad regime collapsed by the end of 2024. The US achieved its long-term goals of regime change and the destruction of ISIS's geographical entity but faces challenges in controlling the post-conflict process. For Syria, this confrontation eroded its sovereignty, caused a humanitarian catastrophe, and transformed the country into a deeply fragmented entity with a reconstruction process projected to last decades.

Finally, the study forecasts that the Russia-US competition in Syria by 2030 will shift to a "compromise and pragmatism" approach, focusing on political influence and reconstruction rather than high-intensity proxy military confrontation. Simultaneously, the thesis proposes important policy implications for Vietnam in the context of increasingly fierce great power competition.

12. Directions for further research

The graduate student's next research direction focuses on analyzing the reconstruction process in Syria in the post-Assad era. Simultaneously, it examines great power competition in Syria within the new post-Assad context, emphasizing the analysis and prediction of the roles of Russia and the United States in the Syrian reconstruction process.

13. Publications related to the dissertation:

1. Doan Thi Mai Lien (2022), “Some adjustments in the US foreign policy towards the Middle East under the Joe Biden administration”, Journal of Political Science and Theory Information (12), pp. 51-57.

2. Doan Thi Mai Lien (2023), “Vietnam’s geostrategic position in the current US-China competition vortex”, Journal of Political Theory Science Information (8), pp. 55-63.

3. Doan Thi Mai Lien (2023), “Some prominent issues of the current world situation”, Journal of Political Theory (9), pp.151-157.

4. Doan Thi Mai Lien (2023), “Syria in Russia-US competition in the Middle East”, International graduate research symposium, Vietnam National University Press, pp. 492-500.

5. Doan Thi Mai Lien (2023), “A decrease of US impact in the Middle East: Case study of US-Arabia and Syria crisis”, International graduate research symposium, Vietnam National University Press, pp. 693-703.

6. Doan Thi Mai Lien (2024), “Policy adjustment of president Joe Biden towards some main issues in the Middle East”, Proceedings of international conference Regional and sub-regional cooperation in East and Southeast Asia, The Gioi Publishers, pp. 451-471.

7. Doan Thi Mai Lien (2024), “Great power rivalries from perspective of realism”, Second international conference on the issues of social sciences and humanities, Vietnam National University Press, pp. 376-387.

8. Doan Thi Mai Lien (2024), “Joe Biden's Middle East policy on regional conflicts and US Military presence: the issue of Syria”, International conference proceedings: New studies and findings in Vietnamese politics and international politics, University of Education Publisher, pp.198-205.

9. Doan Thi Mai Lien (2025), “Russia-US competition through the Syrian civil war (2011-2024)”, International conference proceedings Opportunities and challenges to stability and development of the Indo-Pacific region, The gioi Publishers, pp. 105-128.

10. Doan Thi Mai Lien (2025), “The situation in Syria after 13 years of civil war”, Third international conference on the issues of social sciences and humanities, Vol.1, Vietnam National University Press, pp. 462-490.

11. Doan Thi Mai Lien (2026), “Multidimensional challenges to ceasefire and sustainable peace in the Gaza Strip”, World Panorama Magazine (2), pp. 38-44.

INFORMATION ON DOCTORAL THESIS

1. Full name: Doan Thi Mai Lien

2. Sex: female

3. Date of birth: October 17, 1990

4. Place of birth: Hai Phong

5. Amission decision number: 2949/2021/QD-XHNV-ĐT dated December 28, 2021by Rector of USSH, VNU

6. Changes in the academic process:

• Extension of the study period: From 28th December 2025 to 28th December 2026, according to Decision No. 9469/QD-XHNV dated December 31, 2025.

7. Official thesis title: Russia - US Competition in Syria from 2011 to 2024

8. Major: International Relations

9. Code: 9310601.01

10. Supervisors: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Thi Lan Huong and Dr. Vu Van Anh

11. Summary of the new findings of the thesis

    11.1.Thesis purpose and objectives

The main objective of the thesis is to clarify the theoretical and practical basis of the competition between Russia and the United States in Syria from 2011 to present. On this basis, the study assesses the multi-dimensional impacts of this competition on Syria and the region, forecasts the dynamics of Russia–US competition in Syria through 2030, and provides relevant policy implications for Vietnam.

The research subject is the process of competition between Russia and the United States in Syria from 2011 to present. This includes strategic objectives, implementation methods, instruments of influence, foreign policy adjustments, and the impact of Russia–US rivalry on the geopolitical landscape in Syria, the Middle Eastern regional order, and contemporary international relations.

11.2. Research methods

- Methods in international relations: Systemic-structural method, Policy analysis method, Forecasting method...

- Methods in social sciences: Historical method, Logical method, Method of analysis and synthesis. comparative method…

11.3.Major results and conclusions

• 11.3.1. The major results

The thesis “Russia–US Competition in Syria from 2011 to present” has achieved the following notable results:

First, clarifying the nature and evolution of the Russia–US competition in Syria: The thesis demonstrates that this competition constitutes a representative case of contemporary great-power competition, multifaceted and multilayered in character, unfolding across the political, diplomatic, military, and economic–energy domains.

Second, the thesis has provided an initial assessment of the competition's impacts:

Russia succeeded in reasserting its great-power status, maintaining its strategic foothold in the Mediterranean, and rescuing its ally. However, the collapse of the Assad government at the end of 2024 represents a strategic setback, undermining Russia's credibility and placing it at the risk of forfeiting the economic and military gains it had accumulated.

The United States achieves its long-term objectives of destroying the territorial entity of ISIS and removing the Assad government. considerable challenges in managing the post-conflict process, the United States improved its deterrent posture vis-à-vis Iran and consolidated its influence in the resource-rich Northeast.

Syria has been left deeply fragmented, its sovereignty eroded, confronting a catastrophic catastrophe and a protracted economic crisis, with a reconstruction process still fraught with challenges.

For the world and the region: the competition has fueled the trend of arms racing, propagated the model of proxy warfare, and weakened the role of multilateral institutions, notably the United Nations Security Council.

Third, forecasts and policy implications: The thesis forecasts that Russia–US competition in Syria through 2030 will shift toward a more “accommodative and pragmatic” state, centering on political influence and economic reconstruction rather than direct military confrontation. On this basis, the thesis emphasizes that Vietnam should persistently strengthen its internal capacity, maintain political stability in the context of intense great power competition.

Fourth, new contributions: The thesis systematizes the theoretical foundations of great-power competition in third countries and successfully develops an analytical framework for competition structured around “driving factors – objectives – methodologies – outcomes”. The study also offers a comprehensive and up-to-date account of the competition from its outbreak (2011) to the historic turning point at the end of 2024, thereby providing a valuable reference source for research and foreign-policy making.

11.3.2. Components

The thesis has provided a systematic and comprehensive analysis of Russia–US competition in Syria from 2011 to the present, grounded in the theoretical foundations of realism. The research clarifies that Syria constitutes a representative case of contemporary great-power competition — a point of convergence for core interests in geopolitics, military security, and control over energy resources, set within a world order shifting from unipolarity toward multipolarity.

The study systematizes the process of strategic adjustment undertaken by the two powers, from indirect competition prior to 2011 to open and direct confrontation along the political, diplomatic, economic, and military axes. The research findings affirm that Russia–US competition in Syria has been driven by the objectives of asserting great-power status and shaping the rules of the international game, with Russia striving to break the US monopoly of influence while the United States sought to preserve the order under its leadership.

The thesis assesses the far-reaching impacts of this competition. Russia restored its standing as a global power yet ended with a strategic setback when the Assad government under its patronage collapsed at the end of 2024. The United States achieved its long-term objectives of regime change and the destruction of ISIS's territorial entity but challenges in managing the post-conflict process. For Syria, this confrontation has eroded national sovereignty, produced a humanitarian catastrophe, and turned the country into a deeply fragmented entity whose reconstruction is projected to span decades.

Finally, the thesis forecasts that Russia–US competition in Syria through 2030 will shift toward an “accommodative and pragmatic” state, focusing on political influence and reconstruction rather than high-intensity military confrontation by proxy. The thesis also proposes significant policy implications for Vietnam in the context of increasingly intense great-power competition.

12. Future research directions

The researchers' future research will focus on analyzing the reconstruction process of post-Assad Syria, alongside the study of great-power competition in Syria in the new post-Assad context, particularly with attention to analyzing and forecasting the roles of Russia and the United States in Syria's reconstruction process.

13.Thesis-related publications

1. Doan Thi Mai Lien (2022), “Some adjustments in US foreign policy towards the Middle East under the Joe Biden administration”, Journal of Information on Political Theory and Science (12), pp. 51-57.

2. Doan Thi Mai Lien (2023), “Vietnam's geostrategic position in the current US-China competition vortex”, Journal of Information on Political Theory and Science (8), pp. 55-63.

3. Doan Thi Mai Lien (2023), “Some prominent issues of the current world situation”, Journal of Political Theory (9), pp. 151-157.

4. Doan Thi Mai Lien (2023), “Syria in Russia-US competition in the Middle East”, International graduate research symposium, Vietnam National University Press, pp. 492-500.

5. Doan Thi Mai Lien (2023), “A decrease of US impact in the Middle East: Case study of US-Arabia and Syria crisis”, International graduate research symposium, Vietnam National University Press, pp. 693-703.

6. Doan Thi Mai Lien (2024), “Policy adjustment of president Joe Biden towards some main issues in the Middle East”, Proceedings of international conference Regional and sub-regional cooperation in East and Southeast Asia, The Gioi Publishers, pp. 451-471.

7. Doan Thi Mai Lien (2024), “Great power rivalries from perspective of realism”, Second international conference on the issues of social sciences and humanities, Vietnam National University Press, pp. 376-387.

8. Doan Thi Mai Lien (2024), “Joe Biden's Middle East policy on regional conflicts and US Military presence: the issue of Syria”, International conference proceedings: New studies and findings in Vietnamese politics and international politics, University of Education Publisher, pp.198-205.

9. Doan Thi Mai Lien (2025), “Russia-US competition through the Syrian civil war (2011-2024)”, International conference proceedings Opportunities and challenges to stability and development of the Indo-Pacific region, The gioi Publishers, pp. 105-128.

10. Doan Thi Mai Lien (2025), “The situation in Syria after 13 years of civil war”, Third international conference on the issues of social sciences and humanities, Vol.1, Vietnam National University Press, pp. 462-490.

11. Doan Thi Mai Lien (2026), “Multidimensional Challenges to a Ceasefire and Sustainable Peace in the Gaza Strip”, Journal of World Panorama (2), pp.38-44.