Does corruption benefit compromised societies?: The case of Lebanon

Abstract

This monograph explores the pervasive issue of corruption in Lebanon, examining its socio-political and economic dimensions within the country's confessional governance system. The study questions whether corruption, paradoxically, offers functional benefits to compromised societies like Lebanon. The authors provide a historical and theoretical analysis of corruption, highlighting its integration into Lebanese political and societal norms. They discuss the evolution of patronage networks, sectarian-based governance, and the socio-economic consequences of corruption. Through the lens of theoretical frameworks, the monograph sheds light on how political elites and communities navigate a system where ethical compromises are often justified under sectarian loyalties. The study concludes that while corruption may facilitate short-term stability, it undermines long-term governance and economic growth, necessitating comprehensive reforms for sustainable state-building.