Peoples Protection Units (YPG)
Ninety-six (96) local, regional, and international organizations and entities (prime actors) were identified by their peers as influential in the life of Syria. In the chart below, the left column ranks the prime actors from most influential in shaping the life in Syria (Russia) to the least influential (Relief International).
The chart also shows the classification of prime actors into five stances indicating the actor's support and contribution to inclusive nationalism for Syria, starting from the most committed (Core) to the least committed (Saboteur).
Amount of influence of the Peoples Protection Units (YPG) in the life of Syria, and its commitment to inclusive nationalism for Syria.
25 prime actors participated in the following:
- Determining the rank of the Peoples Protection Units according to the amount of its influence on life in Syria. As shown in the chart below, the YPG ranked 33rd most influential prime actor.
- Assessing and classifying the Peoples Protection Units according to its commitment to inclusive nationalism for Syria (also indicated in the same row by the colored rectangle). Of the 25 prime actors who participated in the assessments, more agreed that the YPG falls under the category of 'Saboteur'. A prime actor assessed as Saboteur is seen as working against a sovereign, stable, inclusive, and developing Syria.
In response to the question, “How are the People's Protection Units important in the life of Syria?”
Round 3 participants stated (Nov. 2016 - Jul. 2017):
"They are the same as the PYD. They are the armed wing of the PYD. They are supported by the United States and Russia.” (231642)
"They are the military arm of PYD.” (234281)