Am I using the word "syntax" correctly in this paragraph?

Emulating William Elliot Griffis (1843-1928) interpretation, many observers have described Choson Korea (1392-1910) as a “Hermit Nation,” a country cut off from contact with the outer world, apart from tributary relations with China (sadae) and “neighborly” relations with Japan (kyorin). Whether such a label can be entertained or justified is questionable. The problem lies in the semantics of the word “hermit.” Hermit means “a person who has withdrawn from society and lives a solitary existence; a recluse.” I am not negating the dictionary definition of hermit but instead, simply applying the definition to the Korean situation in late Choson more appropriately. I argue King Kojong’s hermitic tendencies, rather than the Korean people as a whole impeded the formation of a modern Korea nation-state. Hence, a more correct syntax would be describing Korea as being ruled by a “Hermit Monarch.”

In addition to the correct use of the word "syntax," please let me know if you see any other wrong word usages or gramatical errors in this thesis. Thanks!