While I couldn’t celebrate holding my book in person amid the fall of the #Assad regime, I’m proud to share the culmination of 10 years of research: 📖 Romanticizing Masculinity in Baathist Syria: Identity, Gender, and Belonging This is the first book on masculinity in Syria, uncovering how gender bias emerged from the romantic nationalism of 18th-19th century Europe and shaped Baathist ideology in the 20th century. It explores how the regime constructed militarized masculinities, binding national identity to sacrifice, heroism, and violence. Under Baathist rule, the conception of citizenship was built on valor and martial heroism, glorifying those willing to kill and die for the nation. Women were subordinated to the periphery as symbols—mothers and victims—while Syrian men were coerced into roles as fighters and enforcers. As Syria moves into a new phase post-Assad, the legacy of masculinizing national belonging remains. Decades of authoritarianism and 14 years of war have entrenched militarized identities, posing challenges for true inclusive citizenship and the reimagining of national belonging. This book is dedicated to my children, Hamza and Sam, whose love and resilience have been my constant inspiration. It stands as a testament to the enduring strength of navigating personal and collective struggles. 📚 Available now via Manchester University Press @ManchesterUP @pprlancaster @LancasterUni