Instability and Upheavals in Post-2011 Lebanon: A Regional Security Perspective
| Název práce v češtině: | Nestabilita a otřesy v Libanonu po roce 2011: Perspektiva regionální bezpečnosti |
|---|---|
| Název v anglickém jazyce: | Instability and Upheavals in Post-2011 Lebanon: A Regional Security Perspective |
| Klíčová slova anglicky: | Regional Security Complex Theory, Civil Society, Political Reforms, Sectarian contestation, Societal Change and Impact, Lebanese Politics, Middle East, Social Movements. |
| Akademický rok vypsání: | 2021/2022 |
| Typ práce: | diplomová práce |
| Jazyk práce: | angličtina |
| Ústav: | Katedra politologie (23-KP) |
| Vedoucí / školitel: | Jaroslav Weinfurter, M.A., M.Sc., Ph.D. |
| Řešitel: | skrytý - zadáno vedoucím/školitelem |
| Datum přihlášení: | 08.06.2022 |
| Datum zadání: | 08.06.2022 |
| Datum a čas obhajoby: | 20.09.2023 07:00 |
| Místo konání obhajoby: | Jinonice - U Kříže 8, Praha 5 |
| Datum odevzdání elektronické podoby: | 31.07.2023 |
| Datum proběhlé obhajoby: | 20.09.2023 |
| Oponenti: | Mgr. Jonathan Collins |
| Zásady pro vypracování |
| Theoretical Framework
The RSCT was developed by Buzan and Waever under the Copenhagen School of security studies, and it studies security as a social construction, or securitization). In its most recent definition, RSCT highlights the role of non-state actors and their impact on regional security (Buzan, Waever, 2003). Another key concept that RSCT focuses on is the pattern of amity and enmity, and the distribution of power in a region. These tools will help us assess the dominating role in the social structure of the MENA region, and more specifically, the Levant sub-complex to which Lebanon subscribes. Securitization is also a key concept that will be operationalized in the paper, it is defined as the process of “transforming an issue into a security concern” (Buzan, Waever, 2003). The RSCT and the concept of securitization, especially the role of public discourse on security concerns, will both be used as a framework for this research as they capture the regional perspective related to the instability and upheavals in Lebanon post-2011. Methodology This study will rely on qualitative data which will stem from different sources. First, the content analysis of scholarly, secondary sources with a focus on the following topics and concepts: Arab Uprisings, Instability in Lebanon post-2011, Regional Security in the Middle East, Syrian refugee crisis, social movements in Lebanon, non-state actors and the Arab Uprisings, state actors’ response in Lebanon, Lebanon’s policies towards Syrian crisis. In addition, credible news outlets related to these topics will also be used. The primary sources that will be utilized are policies and official statements developed by Lebanon and other actors involved. Content analysis of case studies will offer a more general content description of the instability and upheavals in Lebanon. Second, this paper also adopts an ethnographer’s position that will help understand and interpret the scene from an insider’s perspective. It will thus involve additional methods of interviewing and observations, notably when it comes to describing the role and ambitions of social movements in Lebanon. Potentially, there are two people who were involved with the movements that I could interview to get a deeper insight. |
| Seznam odborné literatury |
| This thesis delves into the significant role played by civil society organizations and social movements in post-2011 Lebanon, focusing on their impact on the country's security dynamics, societal changes, and the contestation of sectarianism through the lens of the Regional Security Complex Theory (RSCT). The research explores how these movements have been instrumental in driving political reforms and conflict resolution by pressuring the government, advocating for policy changes, and garnering public support, leading to the adoption of new laws addressing societal grievances. The emergence of social movements in response to regional uprisings and the Syrian displacement has presented Lebanon with both challenges and opportunities. While existing power structures and resistance to change pose obstacles, the interconnectedness of these movements through digital technologies and shared goals has amplified their ability to mobilize and shape political discourse, thereby holding the potential for transformative change and creating opportunities for a more inclusive and democratic society.
Applying the RSCT framework has provided profound insights into Lebanon's security dynamics, shedding light on the interplay between internal and external factors, the influence of regional rivalries, and the impact of transnational networks on social movements. Furthermore, the research highlights how social movements in Lebanon have taken up the cause of challenging sectarianism by promoting inclusive narratives, advocating for non-sectarian political reforms, and questioning sectarian-based politics. Nonetheless, the risk of some movements turning into institutionalized political projects that may divert from their original objectives and perpetuate sectarian divisions warrants caution. This dissertation uncovers the crucial contributions of civil society organizations and social movements in reshaping Lebanon's political landscape. By influencing reforms, resolving conflicts, challenging sectarianism, and driving societal changes, these movements have acted as catalysts for positive change. Empowering and supporting these actors will be crucial in fostering a more democratic and equitable nation. As Lebanon moves forward, the transformative power of civil society stands as a beacon of hope. The people's mobilization on October 20th exemplified a population united in dreams and aspirations for a contemporary homeland, free from corruption and divisions, and showcases the promise of a promising future. The journey towards a better Lebanon has just begun, and this research offers valuable insights to guide that path. |
| Předběžná náplň práce |
| This thesis delves into the significant role played by civil society organizations and social movements in post-2011 Lebanon, focusing on their impact on the country's security dynamics, societal changes, and the contestation of sectarianism through the lens of the Regional Security Complex Theory (RSCT).
The research explores how these movements have been instrumental in driving political reforms and conflict resolution by pressuring the government, advocating for policy changes, and garnering public support, leading to the adoption of new laws addressing societal grievances. The emergence of social movements in response to regional uprisings and the Syrian displacement has presented Lebanon with both challenges and opportunities. While existing power structures and resistance to change pose obstacles, the interconnectedness of these movements through digital technologies and shared goals has amplified their ability to mobilize and shape political discourse, thereby holding the potential for transformative change and creating opportunities for a more inclusive and democratic society. Empowering and supporting these actors will be crucial in fostering a more democratic and equitable nation. As Lebanon moves forward, the transformative power of civil society stands as a beacon of hope. The people's mobilization on October 20th of 2019 exemplified a population united in dreams and aspirations for a contemporary homeland, free from corruption and divisions, and showcases a step forward for a promising future. The journey towards a better Lebanon has just begun, and this research offers valuable insights to guide that path. |
| Předběžná náplň práce v anglickém jazyce |
| The main purpose of this thesis is to demonstrate the influence of the Arab Spring on Lebanon’s political and social dynamic by emphasizing the role of Lebanon as a potent actor rather than a mere recipient of the regional disruption caused by the 2011 uprisings. The goal is to examine how social movements have developed in Lebanon due to the protests and the influx of Syrian refugees. Lebanon’s overall security and geopolitical status will be scrutinized under the context of the post-2011 regional transformations by adopting the Regional Security Complex Theory (RSCT henceforth) Most research related to the Arab Spring focus on Egypt, Libya, Yemen, Syria, Tunisia, Bahrain, and other MENA countries that were heavily affected by the uprisings. Lebanon’s role is very often disregarded, making it an interesting case study to consider when analyzing the direct and indirect impact of this event. There exists research on the influence of the Arab Spring on Lebanon, mainly related to the regional and internal disruptions caused by the influx of Syrian refugees. However, the interplay between the Syrian crisis, the rise of social movements, and the response of the fragmented political leaders is under-studied. Thus, this thesis aims to fill that research gap by looking closely at the interconnectedness of social movements within Lebanon, their implications for socio-political issues and potential reforms, their role regarding the Syrian refugee crisis, and their interaction with political leadership. Thus, this paper aims to answer the following research question: How have civil society groups and social movements in post-2011 Lebanon influenced political reforms, shaped the policy-making process, and contributed to conflict resolution, and what are the implications of their actions and demands for the country’s stability?
The hypotheses suggest that the political landscape of Lebanon has been shaped by the active involvement of social movements and civil society groups, whose actions and demands have had significant implications for political reforms, conflict resolution, and the contestation of sectarianism. By examining the interconnectedness of these movements and employing the RSCT framework to guide this research, we can gain valuable insights into the complex interactions between social movements, policy-making processes, and the broader security environment in Lebanon. Structure: - Introduction (background, research question, hypotheses, methodology) - Theoretical conceptualization and Literature Review (RSCT, Civil society in Lebanon, Arab Spring) - Discussion on civil society and social movements in three areas: electoral reforms, Syrian refugee aid, and environmental disaster relief - Discussion on the 2019 Lebanon uprising : regional and international factors and responses, environmental disasters. - Conclusion |