The Beirut Port. A geopolitical rivalry with a hint of nationialism and neocolonialism

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2021-07-14
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en
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This research explores the involvement of former colonizer, France, in Lebanon’s 2020 crisis as the country has faced economic turmoil and a political meltdown, a pandemic and a catastrophic explosion in the capital’s port. This research sheds light on France’s true motives, by linking it to Lebanon’s historical context of nationalism and colonialism. Where literature on nationalism in Lebanon is mostly linked to the period in history and during the French Mandate, this research can contribute to a better understanding of changing dynamics because of recent developments. To understand the geopolitical power dynamics today, it is important to understand Lebanon’s history during the French Mandate, but also how its constitutional framework is shaped, which is characterized by consociationalism and sectarianism. This research shows that the involvement of France is not solely aimed at helping Lebanon but is part of a larger geopolitical game in the Middle East involving the Turkey-Cypriot conflict, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the upcoming dominance of China and Russia in the region.
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen