the fragility of the lebanese state

In 2024, Lebanon entered the fifth year of a crippling economic crisis that has decimated the value of the Lebanese lira, crippled its medical and education systems, and limited the state provision of essential public services- such as electricity, which is not available for more than a few hours a day by state provision. While all those living in Lebanon feel the effects of these dire circumstances, those from marginalized communities such as migrant and domestic workers, the elderly, children, the LGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities or poor health, etc. have been disproportionately affected. To add fuel to the fire, the already dire refugee situation in Lebanon has been exasperated by one national crisis after another from the Beirut Blast of August 4, 2020 to the COVID-19 Pandemic to government collapse and finally the rapid devaluation of the Lebanese Pound (LBP). There have been many effects, among the most dire is the migration of the highly educated Lebanese citizenry from Lebanon to third countries. The substantial brain drain from Lebanon is likely to have a significant impact on the country’s future for generations to come. The Fragility of the Lebanese State explores the causes and potential solutions of this crisis.

Dr. Natalie Ann Ghosn, Esq. is an attorney with the Florida Bar and teaches law, justice and politics at Acadia University.

Hanna Samir Kassab, PhD is an assistant professor of political science at East Carolina University. His most recent work is Geographically Small but Not Weak: Comparing the National Security Policies of Israel and Singapore.