Lebanon’s populist politics: A new view through the lens of Lebanese foreign policies

Abstract

This chapter explores how Lebanon's unique foreign policy landscape is shaped by its governance system known as communitocracy and the influence of populist narratives. By focusing on the management of Syrian refugees in Lebanon, the study highlights how sectarian and populist objectives obstruct refugee repatriation and perpetuate social and political fragmentation. The chapter also examines the strategic manipulation of migration by Bashar al-Assad's regime and how Lebanon's approach to migration management has been securitized and instrumentalized through necropolitics. The analysis sheds light on the lack of coordination between Lebanese authorities and international organizations, revealing the challenges posed by populism and sectarianism in shaping Lebanon’s foreign policy.