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Study 1: Reclaiming Governance
Pathways to Political Reform and Institutional Renewal in Lebanon
Lebanon’s political system is deeply rooted in sectarian power-sharing, where elite interests often take precedence over effective governance. This structure has led to imbalanced institutions that hinder accountability, disrupt coherent policy-making, and erode public trust in the state. Widespread clientelism, sluggish public services, and a judiciary lacking true independence have made meaningful reform difficult, especially in the context of economic collapse, mass emigration, and a fatigued civil society. Reform initiatives are frequently fragmented by partisan divides and end up as scattered efforts with little connection to a comprehensive national renewal.
Proposals
Reviving Lebanon’s political trajectory calls for a reform blueprint anchored in strong, legitimate institutions, resilient technocratic leadership, and broad-based civic engagement. Key steps include making elections more transparent, redesigning decentralization to boost local governance, and forging national consensus around clear standards of accountability. To build momentum, it’s essential to activate civil society, tap into the energy of the Lebanese diaspora, and foster partnerships with international actors committed to development and anti-corruption. Ultimately, Lebanon’s recovery hinges on bridging its fragmented political landscape and rallying behind a civic ethos rooted in merit, integrity, and sustainable statecraft.
Study 2: Beyond Borders
Recalibrating Lebanon’s Regional Position Through Strategic Diplomacy and Multi-Level Cooperation
Lebanon’s role in the region is increasingly shaped by reactive stances and a fragmented foreign policy, largely driven by domestic political rifts and mounting external pressures. The country finds itself navigating a complex web of competing interests, from Iran to Syria and beyond, making its diplomatic posture inconsistent and its voice in regional forums largely subdued. Longstanding tensions and unresolved border disputes only add to the difficulty of developing a clear and unified foreign policy. Meanwhile, Lebanon’s weakened state structures and reliance on remittances and foreign aid expose it to shifting geopolitical currents and proxy dynamics, limiting its ability to form stable alliances or position itself strategically in the region.
Proposals
To reclaim its standing and independence in regional affairs, Lebanon needs to embrace a foreign policy that balances principle with practicality, grounded in coherent institutions and proactive regional engagement. This calls for a structured platform for dialogue involving a broad spectrum of stakeholders, one that reflects internal consensus while allowing for nuanced interactions with various regional blocs. Strengthening the country’s diplomatic apparatus, investing in economic diplomacy tied to shared development interests, and drawing on Lebanon’s rich cultural and intellectual heritage as a connector between East and West could breathe new life into its regional role. By adopting a position of constructive neutrality and building strategic economic ties, especially in key sectors like energy, tourism, and education, Lebanon can begin to redefine its regional footprint beyond the constraints of polarizing geopolitical narratives.
Study 3: Between Fragility and Reform
Strengthening the Rule of Law in Lebanon’s Post-Crisis Landscape
The rule of law in Lebanon is deeply eroded by the politicization of judicial institutions, selective legal enforcement, and a culture of impunity. Courts and legal bodies often operate under sectarian and political pressure, weakening judicial independence and damaging public trust. Decisions are frequently arbitrary, with prolonged detentions and little enforcement of constitutional rights, fueling the belief that justice serves elite interests rather than the broader public. Since the crisis, governance has become increasingly centralized, with executive powers sidestepping legal checks in response to economic and security turmoil, further sidelining transparency and institutional accountability.
Proposals
Reviving the rule of law in Lebanon calls for a comprehensive approach that strengthens judicial independence, institutional credibility, and fair legal processes. A key starting point is creating a judicial council free from political influence, alongside revamping legal education to emphasize ethics, impartiality, and commitment to public service. Improving transparency in courtroom practices, streamlining case management through digital systems, and involving civil society in monitoring can help restore trust in the justice system. International partnerships, especially those offering technical support and legal benchmarking, can also guide reform efforts while respecting Lebanon’s sovereign legal identity.
Study 4: Bordered by History
Reassessing Lebanon–Israel Relations Through Conflict De-escalation and Strategic Deterrence
Lebanon’s relationship with Israel remains one of the most enduring and symbolically charged conflicts in the region. With longstanding border disputes, sporadic military flare-ups, and the absence of formal diplomatic ties, their interaction is driven more by deterrence than constructive dialogue. Historical grievances, such as contested territories including Shebaa Farms and unresolved maritime boundaries, alongside the role of armed non-state actors, further complicate prospects for resolution. Internal political divisions within Lebanon and Israel’s differing strategic goals create a climate where even technical negotiations are burdened by political tension, leaving little space for trust-building or meaningful conflict de-escalation.
Proposals
Building a more stable and pragmatic relationship between Lebanon and Israel requires an approach that separates technical negotiations from deeply rooted ideological tensions. Trust-building steps, like restarting UN-led talks on border disputes, collaborating on shared environmental concerns or water management, and minimizing the politicization of military coordination, could shift the dynamic toward shared interests rather than mutual hostility. Strengthening Lebanon’s institutional ability to engage diplomatically through unified state representation and involving neutral third parties like the EU or regional mediators may help re-establish momentum toward cautious normalization. Any such effort must remain firmly rooted in Lebanon’s sovereignty, respect the broader regional security framework, and actively include civil society voices to ensure legitimacy and depth.
Study 5: Stalled Equilibrium
Economic Reform in Lebanon Amid Political Fragmentation and Parallel Governance
Lebanon’s political system is deeply rooted in sectarian power-sharing, where elite interests often take precedence over effective governance. This structure has led to imbalanced institutions that hinder accountability, disrupt coherent policy-making, and erode public trust in the state. Widespread clientelism, sluggish public services, and a judiciary lacking true independence have made meaningful reform difficult, especially in the context of economic collapse, mass emigration, and a fatigued civil society. Reform initiatives are frequently fragmented by partisan divides and end up as scattered efforts with little connection to a comprehensive national renewal.
Proposals
Reviving Lebanon’s political trajectory calls for a reform blueprint anchored in strong, legitimate institutions, resilient technocratic leadership, and broad-based civic engagement. Key steps include making elections more transparent, redesigning decentralization to boost local governance, and forging national consensus around clear standards of accountability. To build momentum, it’s essential to activate civil society, tap into the energy of the Lebanese diaspora, and foster partnerships with international actors committed to development and anti-corruption. Ultimately, Lebanon’s recovery hinges on bridging its fragmented political landscape and rallying behind a civic ethos rooted in merit, integrity, and sustainable statecraft.
