7.4 Challenges to stability and governance in post-war Lebanon

Lebanon faces numerous challenges in its post-war era. Political deadlock, economic stagnation, and social tensions plague the nation, hindering progress and stability. Sectarianism and external influences further complicate matters, entrenching divisions and undermining sovereignty.

Civil society movements play a crucial role in advocating for change and filling gaps left by weak institutions. Despite these efforts, Lebanon's stability remains precarious, with deeply rooted issues requiring sustained commitment from all stakeholders to overcome.

Post-War Challenges in Lebanon

Challenges in post-war Lebanon

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Top images from around the web for Challenges in post-war Lebanon

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  The changing face of healthcare in Lebanon: navigating an economic crisis : Peoples Dispatch View original

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• Political challenges
  • Sectarian power-sharing system (confessionalism) leads to political deadlock and inefficiency as different religious groups vie for influence
  • Weak central government has limited ability to enforce decisions and maintain stability due to competing sectarian interests
  • Corruption and clientelism undermine public trust and hinder reforms as political elites prioritize personal gains over national interests
• Economic challenges
  • High public debt limits government spending and investment in crucial sectors (infrastructure, education)
  • Slow economic growth results in high unemployment rates, especially among youth, fueling social unrest
  • Inadequate infrastructure, such as electricity shortages and poor transportation networks, hampers economic development and quality of life
• Social challenges
  • Sectarian tensions exacerbated by political and economic inequalities, leading to a fragmented society
  • Refugee crisis (Syrian refugees) strains public services and social cohesion, increasing competition for limited resources
  • Brain drain as skilled professionals leave the country for better opportunities abroad, weakening human capital

Impact of sectarianism and external influences

• Sectarianism
  • Entrenched in political system and society through quota system for government positions based on religious affiliation (Maronite Christian president, Sunni Muslim prime minister, Shia Muslim speaker of parliament)
  • Hinders national unity and decision-making as loyalty to sect often prioritized over national interests
• External influences
  • Regional powers (Iran, Saudi Arabia, Syria) support different sectarian groups, fueling tensions and proxy conflicts
  • International actors (US, France, UN) provide aid and support, but also pursue own interests, sometimes at the expense of Lebanese sovereignty
  • Interference in domestic affairs undermines sovereignty and stability, as external actors exploit internal divisions for geopolitical gains

Role of civil society movements

• Civil society organizations
  • Advocate for transparency, human rights, and social justice by monitoring government actions and exposing corruption
  • Provide services and support to marginalized communities (refugee assistance, education initiatives), filling gaps left by weak state institutions
• Grassroots movements
  • Mobilize citizens around shared concerns, such as anti-corruption protests (2019-2020 protests) and environmental campaigns (campaign against Bisri Dam)
  • Challenge traditional power structures and demand greater accountability and political reforms
• Limitations
  • Fragmentation along sectarian lines makes it difficult to build broad-based coalitions for change
  • Repression and co-optation by political elites through threats, arrests, and funding cuts to silence dissent

Prospects for Lebanese stability

• Challenges
  • Deeply entrenched sectarianism resists reforms that threaten existing power balance
  • Geopolitical vulnerabilities due to spillover effects from regional conflicts (Syrian civil war, Israel-Hezbollah tensions)
  • Economic fragility characterized by high debt, low growth, and limited job opportunities
• Opportunities
  • Vibrant civil society has potential to mobilize citizens and pressure for change
  • Educated and engaged youth desire a more inclusive and accountable political system
  • International support for economic reforms and institutional strengthening
• Long-term prospects
  • Gradual and incremental progress as reforms likely to face setbacks and resistance from entrenched interests
  • Dependent on addressing root causes of instability: sectarianism, socio-economic inequalities, and external interference
  • Requires sustained commitment from government, civil society, and international partners to build a more stable and democratic Lebanon