The purpose of this thesis is to investigate the current conflict between Russia and Ukraine war and the United States' behaviors and actions during the Ukraine crisis in order to understand why the conflict resulted in a geopolitical power struggle. Because the current debate is rife with biased information and propaganda, this thesis seeks to objectively observe the behaviors and actions of both sides in order to gain a comprehensive understanding of their roles in the crisis. It is qualitative because it investigates this specific conflict using multiple sources to gain an in-depth understanding ...

The first cooperative efforts toward international action were made in the twentieth century in order to prevent the spread of diseases from one region to another. The subsequent institutionalization of these efforts gave birth to the World Health Organization. As the necessity for a single worldwide health system came to be recognized and felt as a pressing need to preserve the highest standards of health, WHO was seen as a way to satisfy this need. Also, the concept of "health for all", embodied by WHO, is fundamental to the attainment of peace, welfare and security of nations. The assumption ...

The expansion of e-government applications since the 1990s has led many countries in the developing world to follow the advanced industrialized societies in using e-government as an enabling tool to achieve reform goals. Lebanon is implementing e-government initiatives as part of international efforts to integrate the developing world in the information society. With corruption plaguing the country, this research aims to examine if the government in Lebanon is taking steps to tackle this rampant problem through e-government projects, and to assess the nature of such projects and the level of ...

Exchange rates are one of the most important aspects of the economic health in a country. This study examines how the political history of Lebanon and its geo-political connection to the region's turbulence, have played a major role in its current severe currency crisis. One of the study’s aims is also, to find out the reasons behind the current Lebanese political and economic crisis. The scope of this research is limited to the period 1989-2022. Using an International Political Economy IPE approach, Laissez-Faire Economy (Free Market Capitalism), and State Capture theories, the study explores ...

In the last decade, many aspects of globalization have captured worldwide attention. But for more than a century, the driving force behind globalization has been the expansion of trade in goods and services . Trade liberalization is of major concern for developing countries following protectionist policies, since they are more vulnerable to total openness. The rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO), which was established in 1995, are based on the principles of free trade. These rules promote trade liberalization policies; this is why acceding to this international organization is of great ...

These five open access factsheets were created following a unique ‘base-superstructure’ dialectical approach. They are useful when working with participants both in training settings, as well as in self-taught learning programs. The goal is to establish the political economy of both sectarianism and coexistence as the foundation for studying Lebanon through following a systematically rigorous approach and analyzing social phenomena and practices. These factsheets are open educational resources (OER) and are intended for awareness raising and as a foundation for further study. Therefore the ...

The launch of Bitcoin, the first cryptocurrency, in 2009, altered the traditional perspective that people held with regard to of financial transactions. Over the years, hundreds of cryptocurrencies have emerged and the realm of crypto (digital) assets extended its impact toglobal affairs whereas it affects domestic and international economics, politics, and the environment. Given the nature and potential of this technology, it has left a positive mark as wellas negative stains due to lack of regulation, falling prey to perversion and abuse with malicious intent to commit illicit activity. ...

The Venezuelan crisis was filling the headlines during 2019, and took the world’s attention. The country that once was the wealthiest in Latin America suffers the worst economic crisis of a country that is not experiencing war since the 20th century. Diseases, collapse of institutions, destitution, and repression have led millions to flee the country to neighboring states. Venezuela, that sits on the largest oil reserves in the world, has the phenomenon called “the resource curse”, where the government is spending all the money coming from oil without injecting any back into the economy. The ...